U.S. patent application number 10/930990 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-02 for seal for reclosable cap enclosure.
Invention is credited to Richard E. Ellison, Donald J. Nole, Steven N. Pinelli.
Application Number | 20060043091 10/930990 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35941591 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060043091 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pinelli; Steven N. ; et
al. |
March 2, 2006 |
Seal for reclosable cap enclosure
Abstract
A cap for a container is provided. The cap comprises a cap body
having a bottom wall, a first dispensing aperture extending through
the bottom wall, a second vent aperture extending through the
bottom wall, and a seal positioned on the cap body and extending in
the first and second apertures. A closure member is pivotally
connected to the cap body and pivots between a first closed
position and a second open position. The closure member has a
stopper and a protuberance. In the first position the stopper
engages the first seal in the dispensing aperture to close the
dispensing aperture, and the protuberance engages the second seal
about the second aperture to close the vent aperture.
Inventors: |
Pinelli; Steven N.; (Gary,
IN) ; Ellison; Richard E.; (Chicago, IL) ;
Nole; Donald J.; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALLENSTEIN WAGNER & ROCKEY, LTD
311 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE
53RD FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
35941591 |
Appl. No.: |
10/930990 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.3 ;
220/293; 220/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2272
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.3 ;
220/713; 220/293 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/18 20060101
B65D051/18; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. A cap for a container comprising: a cap body having a first
mating member adapted to mate with the container; a closure member
connected to the cap body, the closure member having a stopper; a
first aperture extending through a bottom wall of the cap body;
and, a first seal positioned about a wall of the first aperture,
the first seal having a portion extending inward from a
circumference of the first aperture wall and terminating a distance
from a center of the first aperture, wherein the first seal engages
the stopper when the stopper is inserted into the first
aperture.
2. The cap of claim 1, wherein the first seal further has a
plurality of blades spaced coaxially about the first aperture, the
blades extending radially inward from the first aperture wall.
3. The cap of claim 1, further comprising a second aperture
extending through the bottom wall of the cap body.
4. The cap of claim 3, further comprising a second seal positioned
about the second aperture.
5. The cap of claim 4, wherein the second seal is positioned about
a wall of the second aperture.
6. The cap of claim 4, wherein the first seal and the second seal
are comprised of a unitary seal component extending from the first
aperture to the second aperture.
7. The cap of claim 1, wherein the closure member is hingedly
connected to the cap body.
8. The cap of claim 4, further comprising a protuberance extending
from the closure member, the protuberance engaging the second seal
to substantially close the second aperture.
9. The cap of claim 8, wherein the protuberance has a height that
is substantially less than a height of the stopper such that the
protuberance becomes disengaged from the second seal prior to the
stopper being disengaged from the first seal as the closure member
is pivoted about the cap body.
10. The cap of claim 4, wherein the first and second apertures are
positioned generally adjacent one another, wherein the closure
member is connected to the cap body at a hinge position, and
wherein the first and second apertures are positioned between the
hinge position and a perimeter of the cap body.
11. A cap for a container comprising: a cap body adapted to mate
with the container, the cap body having a bottom wall, a first
aperture extending through the bottom wall of the cap body, a
second aperture extending through the bottom wall of the cap body,
and a seal positioned on the cap body and extending in the first
and second apertures.
12. The cap of claim 11, wherein the seal is unitary and extends
between the first and second apertures about one of a first or
second surface of the bottom wall of the cap body.
13. The cap of claim 11, wherein the seal is unitary and extends
between the first and second apertures about both a first and
second surface of the bottom wall of the cap body.
14. The cap of claim 11, wherein a portion of the seal in the first
aperture has a blade extending radially inward from an inner
circumference of the first aperture and terminating a distance from
a center of the first aperture.
15. The cap of claim 11, wherein a portion of the first seal in the
first aperture has a plurality of blades extending radially inward
of the first aperture, the blades being spaced coaxially about the
first aperture.
16. The cap of claim 11, wherein the second aperture comprises a
pressure equalizing vent hole.
17. The cap of claim 11, further comprising a closure member having
a stopper and a protuberance, the stopper engaging the first seal
in the first aperture, and the protuberance engaging the second
seal about the second aperture.
18. The cap of claim 17, wherein the stopper and the protuberance
extend from a first side of the closure member.
19. The cap of claim 17, wherein the closure member is rotatably
connected to the cap body.
20. The cap of claim 11, wherein the seal comprises a component
overmolded on the cap body.
21. The cap of claim 11, wherein the seal is made of a rubber based
material, and wherein the cap body is made of a polymer based
material.
22. A cap for a container comprising: a cap body having a bottom
wall, a generally cylindrical upstanding wall extending in a first
transverse direction with respect to an upper surface of the bottom
wall, a generally cylindrical peripheral flange extending in a
second transverse direction with respect to a lower surface of the
bottom wall; a first aperture extending through the bottom wall,
the first aperture being located in spaced, adjacent, radially
interior relationship relative to the generally cylindrical
upstanding wall; a first seal in the first aperture, the first seal
having a wiper blade extending radially inward in relation to the
first aperture; a closure plate pivotally connected to the cap
body, the closure plate having a stopper extending from a first
surface of the closure plate, and a pull ring connected to the
closure plate for manipulating the closure plate about the cap
body, wherein the stopper engages the first seal when the stopper
is inserted into the first aperture.
23. The cap of claim 22, wherein the first seal comprises a
plurality of wiper blades spaced coaxially about the first
aperture, the wiper blades extending radially inward in relation to
the first aperture.
24. The cap of claim 22, further comprising a second aperture, a
second seal, and a protuberance, wherein the second aperture
extends through the bottom wall and is located in spaced, distal,
radially interior relationship relative to the generally
cylindrical upstanding wall, wherein the second seal is disposed
adjacent an opening of the second aperture, wherein the
protuberance extends from the first surface of the closure plate
and engages the second seal when the first surface of the closure
plate is pivoted adjacent the upper surface of the bottom wall, and
wherein the first and second seals are comprised of a unitary
component extending from the first aperture to the second
aperture.
25. The cap of claim 24, wherein an extent of the generally
cylindrical peripheral flange defines a substantially horizontal
plane, and wherein at least a portion of the bottom wall is
positioned in an angled transverse relationship relative to the
substantially horizontal plane.
26. The cap of claim 22, further comprising a plurality of mating
members extending from a surface of the generally cylindrical
peripheral flange, said mating members being adapted to engage
portions of the container to connect the cap to the container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates generally to container caps,
and more specifically to a seal for a reclosable container cap
enclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Caps for drinking containers are well known in the art. Such
caps are generally used to provide both a dispensing aperture and a
closure mechanism for opening and closing of the dispensing
aperture. While caps for drinking containers according to the prior
art provide a number of advantageous features, they nevertheless
have certain limitations. The present invention seeks to overcome
certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art,
and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full
discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention
is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention generally provides a reusable cap or
lid for a liquid containing vessel. One embodiment of the cap
comprises a cap body having a dispensing aperture and a seal
therefore, and a reclosable closure member having a mating plug or
stopper.
[0006] According to one embodiment, the cap body comprises a
unitarily formed component having a bottom wall, a generally
cylindrical upstanding side wall and a generally cylindrical
peripheral flange. The bottom wall has an upper surface and a lower
surface. The generally cylindrical upstanding side wall extends in
a first transverse direction with respect to the upper surface of
the bottom wall, and the generally cylindrical peripheral flange
extends in a second transverse direction with respect to a lower
surface of the bottom wall. A first mating member depends from a
surface of the generally cylindrical peripheral flange. The first
mating member is adapted to mate with the container to secure the
cap to the container.
[0007] According to another embodiment, a first dispensing aperture
extends through the bottom wall of the cap body. The first aperture
is located in spaced, adjacent, radially interior relationship
relative to the generally cylindrical upstanding wall on the cap
body.
[0008] According to another embodiment, a first seal is positioned
about a wall of the first aperture. Further, in one embodiment the
first seal has a blade extending radially inward from a
circumference of the first aperture wall and terminating a distance
from a center of the first aperture, and in another embodiment the
first seal comprises a plurality of blades spaced coaxially about
the first aperture, the blades extending radially inward in
relation to the first aperture. The stopper engages the first seal
when the stopper is inserted into the first aperture to seal the
dispensing aperture.
[0009] According to another embodiment, a second aperture extends
through the bottom wall of the cap body. The second aperture is
located in spaced, distal, radially interior relationship relative
to the generally cylindrical upstanding wall on the cap body.
[0010] According to another embodiment, a second seal is positioned
about the second aperture. The second seal may be positioned about
a wall of the second aperture and extend through the second
aperture from the upper surface of the bottom wall to the lower
surface of the bottom wall.
[0011] According to another embodiment, the first and second seals
are comprised of a unitary component extending from the first
aperture to the second aperture. In such an embodiment, the seal
may extend between the first and second apertures about one of the
upper or lower surfaces of the bottom wall of the cap body. In an
alternate embodiment, the seal extends between the first and second
apertures about both the upper and lower surfaces of the bottom
wall of the cap body. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the seal
is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric material, the cap body is
made of a polymer based material, and the seal comprises a
component overmolded on the cap body.
[0012] According to another embodiment, a closure member is
pivotally or hingedly connected to the cap body. The closure member
has a stopper extending from a first surface thereof. The stopper
engages the first seal when the stopper is inserted into the first
aperture. In another embodiment, the closure member also has a
protuberance extending from the first surface thereof. The
protuberance engages the second seal to substantially close the
second aperture when the first surface of the closure member is
pivoted adjacent the upper surface of the bottom wall. The
protuberance generally has a height that is substantially less than
a height of the stopper such that the protuberance becomes
disengaged from the second seal prior to the stopper being
disengaged from the first seal as the closure member is pivoted
about the cap body. Additionally, the closure member has a pull
ring connected thereto for manipulating the closure member about
the cap body.
[0013] According to yet another embodiment, an extent of the
generally cylindrical peripheral flange defines a substantially
horizontal plane. And, at least a portion of the bottom wall is
positioned in an angled transverse relationship relative to the
substantially horizontal plane.
[0014] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with
the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] To understand the present invention, it will now be
described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reclosable cap connected
to a container;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the
reclosable cap of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the reclosable cap of
FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the reclosable cap of FIG. 2
with the closure member in an open position;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken about line 5-5 of
FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the reclosable cap of FIG. 2
with the closure member in a closed position;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken about line 7-7 of
FIG. 6;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken about line 8-8 of
FIG. 6; and,
[0024] FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged detail view of the seal of FIG.
8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0026] Referring now to the Figures, and specifically to FIG. 1,
there is shown a cap 10 for a container 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and
3, the cap 10 has a unitarily formed cap body 14, preferably made
of a rigid material such as a molded plastic, including but not
limited to polypropylene. The cap body 14 has a bottom wall 16
having a first or upper surface 18 and a second or lower surface
20. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom wall 16 is positioned at
an angled, transverse plane relative to a main horizontal plane of
the cap body 14. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in a preferred
embodiment the upper surface 18 of the bottom wall 16 of the cap
body 14 has a central, laterally positioned depression 22. As
explained in greater detail herein, and as best shown in FIGS. 5, 8
and 9, a first aperture 24, a second aperture 26, and a reclosable
closure member 28 are generally provided in the depression 22 of
the bottom wall 16.
[0027] A generally cylindrical upstanding wall 30 extends in a
first transverse direction with respect to the upper surface 18 of
the bottom wall 16 of the cap body 14. In a preferred embodiment,
the generally cylindrical upstanding wall 30 has a tapering height.
An apex 32 of the tapering height of the upstanding wall 30 is
adjacent the first aperture 24. Additionally, the cylindrical
upstanding wall 30 may not traverse the entire circumference of the
cap body 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cylindrical upstanding
wall 30 does not traverse the entire circumference of the cap body
14. Rather, the cylindrical upstanding wall 30 terminates,
respectively, at approximately the opposing sides of the central,
laterally positioned depression 22. The termination of the
cylindrical upstanding wall 30 allows the closure member 28 to
rotate and be fixed in a completely open position.
[0028] A generally cylindrical peripheral flange 34 extends in a
second transverse direction with respect to the lower surface 20 of
the bottom wall 16 of the cap body 14. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and
8, an extent 35 of the generally cylindrical peripheral flange 34
defines a horizontal plane that is generally parallel to the main
horizontal plane of the cap body 14. The generally cylindrical
peripheral flange 34 generally mates with the container 12 to
connect the cap 10 to the container 12. Such mating engagement may
be performed via a variety of processes. In a preferred embodiment,
a plurality of mating members 36 extends from an outer surface 38
of the peripheral flange 34. The mating members 36 are adapted to
engage mating surfaces or portions of an interior wall of the
container 12 to connect the cap 10 to the container 12.
[0029] As best shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 8 and 9, the first aperture 24
of the cap body 14 is utilized as a dispensing orifice for
dispensing the liquid contents from the cavity of the container 12.
The first aperture 24 extends through the bottom wall 16, from the
upper surface 18 thereof to the lower surface 20 thereof. The first
aperture 24 has a wall 40 which defines the perimeter of the first
aperture 24. In a preferred embodiment, the first aperture 24 is
located on the cap body 14 in spaced, adjacent, radially interior
relationship relative to the generally cylindrical upstanding wall
30 of the cap body 14. The first aperture 24 may have any
geometrical configuration. As best shown in FIG. 4, however, the
first aperture 24 in the preferred embodiment is generally
elliptical in shape, and the wall 40 of the first aperture 24
corresponds to this shape.
[0030] The cap body 14 also has a second aperture 26. The second
aperture 26 generally operates as a pressure equalizing vent hole
for the cavity of the container 12. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 8 and
9, the second aperture 26 extends through the bottom wall 16 of the
cap body 14, from the upper surface 18 thereof to the lower surface
20 thereof. The second aperture 26 also has a wall 42 which defines
a perimeter of the second aperture 26. In a preferred embodiment,
the second aperture 26 is circular in cross-sectional shape, and is
located in spaced, distal, radially interior relationship relative
to the generally cylindrical upstanding wall 30 of the cap body 14.
Further, in this embodiment, the second aperture 26 is positioned
about a substantially similar diametral line across the bottom wall
30 of the cap body 14.
[0031] A seal 44 is provided on the cap body 14 to assist in
sealing the apertures in the cap body 14 against the closure member
28. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the seal 44 is
provided adjacent both the first and second apertures 24, 26 in the
cap body. Thus, in this embodiment the seal 44 comprises a first
seal 46, a second seal 48 and a union 50 between the first and
second seals 46, 48. It is understood, however, if only a first
aperture 24 is provided that only a first seal 46 may be necessary.
Further, the seals 46, 48 may not be unitary as shown in the
preferred embodiment. While the seal 44 may be made of any
acceptable material, it has been found that a thermoplastic
elastomeric material and/or a rubber based material, including
natural rubber, are acceptable. Furthermore, with respect to
manufacturability, the cap body 14 is generally injection molded
and then the seal 44 is overmolded on the cap body 14.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 5, 8 and 9, the first seal 46 is
positioned generally in the first aperture 24 about the wall 40
thereof. The first seal 46 has a portion that extends radially
inward of a circumference of the first aperture 24, and terminates
a distance from a center of the first aperture 24. Further, the
first seal 46 generally extends from the upper surface 18 of the
bottom wall 16 of the cap body 14 to the lower surface 20 thereof.
Herein, circumference is meant to define the outer boundary or
perimeter, and is not limited to circular area. Moreover, one type
of first seal 46 includes a blade 52, such as a wiper blade, that
extends radially inward in relation to the first aperture 24.
Preferably, the first seal 46 extends radially inward from an inner
circumference of the wall 40 of the first aperture 24.
Additionally, the first seal 46 may comprise a plurality of wiper
blades 52 spaced coaxially about the first aperture 24. Generally,
each of the wiper blades 52 extends radially inward of the aperture
24. As shown in FIG. 9, such wiper blades 52 have a flexible extent
such that the first seal 46 is able to provide enhanced
impermeability between the first seal 46 and the portion of the
closure member 28 inserted in the first aperture 24.
[0033] Also as shown in FIGS. 5, 8 and 9, the second seal 48 is
positioned about the second aperture 26, and generally adjacent the
opening of the second aperture 26. Further, in the preferred
embodiment, the second seal 48 is positioned about the wall 42
which defines a perimeter of the second aperture 26. Like the first
seal 46, the second seal 48 generally extends from the upper
surface 18 of the bottom wall 16 of the cap body 14 to the lower
surface 20 thereof. Unlike the preferred embodiment of the first
seal 46, however, the preferred embodiment of the second seal 48
does not have blades extending radially inward. Instead, the second
seal 48 is generally maintained against the wall 42 of the second
aperture 26.
[0034] As explained briefly above, the first seal 46 and the second
seal 48 may be provided as a unitary element. In such an
embodiment, the seal 44 generally extends between the first
aperture 24 and the second aperture 26 about at least one of the
upper surface 18 or lower surface 20 of the bottom wall 16 of the
cap body 14. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7-9, the seal 44 may also
extend about both the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 20 of
the bottom wall 16 of the cap body 14. To provide for the seal 44
extending about the upper surface 18 of the bottom wall 16 of the
cap body 14, one embodiment of the cap body 14 has a recessed area
54 (see FIGS. 7-9) in the upper surface 18 of the bottom wall 16.
The recessed area 54 allows the union portion 50 of the seal 44 to
extend from the first seal portion 46 to the second seal portion 48
with an upper surface of the seal 44 being flush with the upper
surface 18 of the bottom wall 16. Additionally, to provide for the
seal 44 extending about the lower surface 20 of the bottom wall 16
of the cap body 14, one embodiment of the cap body 14 has a
shoulder 56 (See FIGS. 3, 7 and 8) depending from the lower surface
20 of the bottom wall 16. The seal 44 extends within the cavity
provided by the shoulder 56 in the cap body 14. By providing the
shoulder 56, the seal 44 thickness is increased, allowing the first
seal 46 to have a plurality of wiper blades 52 as explained above.
Thus, the seal between the seal 44 and the closure member 28 is
enhanced through this process.
[0035] Referring to the Figures, the reclosable closure member 28
is connected to the cap body 14. With respect to the example shown
in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the closure member 28 is provided partially in
the depression 22 of the bottom wall 16 of the cap body 14, and is
pivotally or hingedly connected to the cap body 14. The closure
member 28 comprises a plate having a first surface 58 and a second
surface 60. As shown in FIG. 5, a stopper 62 extends from the first
surface 58 of the closure member 28, generally proximal a first end
64 of the closure member 28. Additionally, a protuberance 66
extends from the first surface 58 of the closure member 28,
generally proximal a second end 68 of the closure member 28.
[0036] The reclosable closure member 28 generally pivotally extends
between a first position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6-9, and a second
position, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. The reclosable closure
member 28 is manipulated between the first position and the second
position by a user to open and close the dispensing aperture 24. In
the first position the closure member 28 is closed, and in the
second position the closure member is open. Accordingly, in the
first position the stopper 62 engages the first seal 46 to
sealingly close the dispensing aperture 24, and the protuberance 66
generally closes the second aperture 26, while in the second
position the first and second apertures 24, 26 are open to allow
liquid to be dispensed from the container 12. Thus, in the first
position the wiper blades 52 of the first seal 46 contact the
stopper 62 of the closure member 28. More specifically, when the
stopper 62 is inserted into the dispensing aperture 24 the wiper
blades 52 of the first seal 46 are flexed against the stopper 62
and their distal ends or extents are generally flexed downward
toward the cavity of the container 12. Pressure increases due to
the gas expansion of the fluid in the container 12, typically as a
result of the heat and steam off the hot liquid, however, provides
an upward force on the stopper 62. Since the wiper blades 52 are
positioned in the opposite direction as the force of the internal
pressure, however, when that upward force is applied on the stopper
62 the seal between the wiper blades 52 and the stopper 62 is
enhanced, thereby providing enhanced impermeability between the
first seal 46 and the stopper 62 inserted in the first aperture
24.
[0037] A pull ring 70 is pivotally connected to the closure member
28 to allow a user to manipulate the closure member 28 about the
cap body 14, and to thereby open and close the dispensing aperture
24. A torsion spring is connected to both the closure member 28 and
the pull ring 70 to maintain the pull ring 70 positioned against
the closure member 28 unless a sufficient force is provided by a
user to open the pull ring 70.
[0038] The closure member 28 also has first and second pivot
members (not shown) extending from the sides of the reclosable
closure member 28 to connect the closure member 28 to the cap body
14. The pivot members generally extend at a pivot position with
respect to the closure member 28 and the cap body 14. Because of
the shape of the closure member 28, in one embodiment the first and
second apertures 24, 26 are positioned between the hinge position
and a perimeter of the cap body 14. In a preferred embodiment, the
first and second pivot members comprise shafts that extend into the
closure member 28 into the cap body 14. Additionally, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 4, positioning members 72 extend from the respective
sides of the closure member 28. The positioning members 72
respectively engage first and second positioning stops 74, 76
(shown in FIGS. 2 and 5) in the cap body 14. The positioning
members 72 comprise bumps extending from the closure member 28, and
the positioning stops 74, 76 comprise mating crevices in the cap
body 14. When the closure member 28 is in the first position, the
positioning members 72 engage the first stops 74 to removably
retain the closure member 28 in the first position, and when the
closure member 28 is in the second position, the position members
72 engage the second stops 76 to removably retain the closure
member 28 in the second position. It is understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art that the positioning members may
alternatively extend from the cap body 14 without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0039] The stopper 62 extends from the first surface 58 of the
closure member 28. When the closure member 28 is in the first
position the stopper 62 is inserted in the first aperture 24 as a
plug for the dispensing aperture 24. Accordingly, the stopper 62 is
generally shaped in a geometry corresponding to the geometry of the
first aperture 24, and more specifically the first seal 46 in the
first aperture 24 of the cap 10. Thus, the first seal 46 engages
the stopper 62 when the stopper is inserted into the first aperture
24. Similarly, the protuberance 66 extends from the first surface
58 of the closure member 28 to engage the second seal 48 and
substantially close the second aperture 26 of the cap 10.
[0040] With respect to the closure member 28, the stopper 62 has a
height, which is the distance from the first surface 58 of the
closure member 28 to the end of the stopper 62. Likewise, the
protuberance 66 has a height, which is similarly the distance from
the first surface 58 of the closure member 28 to the end of the
protuberance 66. As best shown in FIG. 9, in the preferred
embodiment, the height of the protuberance 66 is substantially less
than the height of the stopper 62. Thus, when the closure member 28
is manipulated from the first (closed) position to the open
position, the protuberance 66 becomes disengaged from the second
seal 48 prior to the stopper 62 becoming disengaged from the first
seal 46. Accordingly, any pressure over atmospheric or
environmental pressure that is present in the cavity of the
container 12 is released and equalized through the vent hole 26,
typically before liquid is dispensed through the dispensing
aperture 24. It is further understood that the geometry of the
protuberance 66 may be engineered such that if the pressure present
in the container becomes great enough it may be released while the
closure member 28 is in the first (closed) position with only a
nominal amount of liquid/steam exiting the container 12.
[0041] Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of ribs
may be provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 16 to
assist in precluding potential heat sink and shrinkage problems
when the seal 44 is overmolded on the cap body 14.
[0042] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been
described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the
art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments,
and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A
person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that
any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with
the other embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, the terms
"first," "second," "third," and "fourth" as used herein are
intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the
embodiments in any way. Further, the term "plurality" as used
herein indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively
or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number.
[0043] It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central
characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,
therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and
not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the
details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments
have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to
mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the
invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope
of the accompanying claims.
* * * * *