U.S. patent application number 11/012783 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-15 for dispensing cover with tear strip and living hinge.
Invention is credited to Brooks R. Markert, Christopher J. Young.
Application Number | 20060124643 11/012783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36582607 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060124643 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Markert; Brooks R. ; et
al. |
June 15, 2006 |
Dispensing cover with tear strip and living hinge
Abstract
A dispensing cover for use with a fiberboard drum having a
rolled-in lip which defines a cover-receiving opening includes a
main body having a first portion and a second portion which is
pivotal with respect to the first portion and which is joined
thereto using a living hinge. An inner and outer skirt extends
about the periphery of the main body, which skirts are spaced apart
from each other to define therebetween a cavity for receiving the
rolled-in lip of the fiberboard drum. Molded into the outer skirt
at the living hinge is a tear strip. Unless removed, the tear strip
prevents the second portion from pivoting with respect to the first
portion. Barbs formed on the inner or outer skirts and extending
into the cavity defined between them engage the rolled-in lip of
the fiberboard drum to secure the dispensing cover to the
fiberboard drum at least over the non-pivoting first portion.
Inventors: |
Markert; Brooks R.;
(Harwinton, CT) ; Young; Christopher J.; (Port
Washington, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Gerald T. Bodner, Esq.;BODNER & O'ROURKE, LLP
Suite 108
425 Broadhollow Road
Melville
NY
11791
US
|
Family ID: |
36582607 |
Appl. No.: |
11/012783 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.3 ;
220/266; 220/380; 220/782; 220/787 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2401/15 20200501;
B65D 43/161 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.3 ;
220/782; 220/787; 220/380; 220/266 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/18 20060101
B65D051/18; B65D 41/18 20060101 B65D041/18; B65D 39/00 20060101
B65D039/00; B65D 41/32 20060101 B65D041/32 |
Claims
1. A dispensing cover for use with a fiberboard drum, the
fiberboard drum having a rolled-over lip, the rolled-over lip
defining a perimeter of a cover-receiving opening, the dispensing
cover comprising: a main body sized to fit over the perimeter of
the cover-receiving opening, the main body having a first portion
and a second portion co-planar with and pivotally joined to the
first portion, the second portion pivoting with respect to the
first portion along a pivot line which runs transversely across the
main body; an inner skirt and an outer skirt, the inner skirt and
the outer skirt extending substantially perpendicularly from the
main body on the first portion and the second portion and being
spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other to define
therebetween a cavity for receiving the rolled-over lip of the
fiberboard drum; and a tear strip, the tear strip being formed in
the outer skirt and positioned in alignment with the pivot line,
the tear strip preventing the second portion from pivoting with
respect to the first portion, whereupon on removal of the tear
strip, the second portion may pivot with respect to the first
portion to at least partially uncover the cover-receiving opening
of the fiberboard drum in order to dispense contents held by the
fiberboard drum.
2. A dispensing cover as defined by claim 1, which further
comprises: a living hinge, the living hinge pivotally joining the
first portion to the second portion, the living hinge being
disposed along the pivot line and being in alignment with the tear
strip.
3. A dispensing cover as defined by claim 1, which further
comprises: a plurality of barbs, the plurality of barbs being
situated on at least one of the inner skirt and the outer skirt and
projecting into the cavity defined between the inner skirt and the
outer skirt, each barb of the plurality of barbs having an angled
surface and a generally straight surface, the angled surface
engaging the rolled-over lip of the fiberboard drum and riding up
and over the rolled-over lip when the dispensing cover is inserted
onto the fiberboard drum, the straight surface engaging an
underside portion of the rolled-over lip to secure the dispensing
cover to the fiberboard drum.
4. A dispensing cover as defined by claim 3, which further
comprises: a projection extending outwardly from the outer skirt on
a side of the dispensing cover, the projection being graspable by a
user to disengage at least one selected barb of the plurality of
barbs from the rolled-over lip of the fiberboard drum, the
projection being situated on the second portion of the main body
and in proximity to the at least one selected barb of the plurality
of barbs.
5. A dispensing cover as defined by claim 1, which further
comprises: a plurality of alignment projections, the alignment
projections extending upwardly from a surface of the main body and
being receivable within a recess defined on the bottom of a
fiberboard drum when the fiberboard drum is resting on the
dispensing cover.
6. A dispensing cover for use with a fiberboard drum, the
fiberboard drum having a rolled-over lip, the rolled-over lip
defining a perimeter of a cover-receiving opening, the dispensing
cover comprising: a main body sized to fit over the perimeter of
the cover-receiving opening, the main body having a first portion
and a second portion co-planar with and pivotally joined to the
first portion, the second portion pivoting with respect to the
first portion along a pivot line which runs transversely across the
main body; an inner skirt and an outer skirt, the inner skirt and
the outer skirt extending substantially perpendicularly from the
main body on the first portion and the second portion and being
spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other to define
therebetween a cavity for receiving the rolled-over lip of the
fiberboard drum; a tear strip, the tear strip being formed in the
outer skirt and positioned in alignment with the pivot line, the
tear strip preventing the second portion from pivoting with respect
to the first portion, whereupon on removal of the tear strip, the
second portion may pivot with respect to the first portion to at
least partially uncover the cover-receiving opening of the
fiberboard drum in order to dispense contents held by the
fiberboard drum; a hinge, the hinge pivotally joining the first
portion to the second portion, the hinge being disposed along the
pivot line and being in alignment with the tear strip; a plurality
of barbs, the plurality of barbs being situated on at least one of
the inner skirt and the outer skirt and projecting into the cavity
defined between the inner skirt and the outer skirt, each barb of
the plurality of barbs having an angled surface and a generally
straight surface, the angled surface engaging the rolled-over lip
of the fiberboard drum and riding up and over the rolled-over lip
when the dispensing cover is inserted onto the fiberboard drum, the
straight surface engaging an underside portion of the rolled-over
lip to secure the dispensing cover to the fiberboard drum; and a
projection extending outwardly from the outer skirt on a side of
the dispensing cover, the projection being graspable by a user to
disengage at least one selected barb of the plurality of barbs from
the rolled-over lip of the fiberboard drum, the projection being
situated on the second portion of the main body and in proximity to
the at least one selected barb of the plurality of barbs.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to lids and covers for
containers, and more particularly relates to a dispensing cover for
a fiberboard drum.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Current packaging applications frequently require containers
for granular products which may be dispensed from the containers.
One current type of package includes a rectangular fiberboard drum
which has a top sealed off with an injection molded cover. The
cover is attached to the drum with tape.
[0005] In order to dispense product from the container, the
consumer removes the tape to detach the cover. Frequently, this
results in the tape peeling off part of the label of the container.
This is both aesthetically undesirable, and results in the removal
of some of the lettering or other information on the box. Further,
once the tape has been removed, there is no way to securely reseal
the container other than re-taping it. The current type of cover
design is friction fit to the outside of the container, and while
it provides adequate protection from the elements, it will come off
when the box is knocked over (unless it is re-taped), thus
resulting in spillage of the contents.
[0006] Furthermore, the taping operation employed with current
technology is very labor intensive. Also, during shipment, the
fiberboard drums are stacked on a skid. A corrugated sheet must be
placed between the layers of stacked fiberboard drums. Elimination
of the sheets would result in a cost savings.
[0007] Containers currently sold are formed as a fiberboard drum
having a rolled-in lip, which adds strength to the container. A
cover which has barbs that engage the rolled-in lip of the
fiberboard drum is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,153. The barbs
keep the cover securely attached to the fiberboard drum which
prevents the container contents from spilling out if the container
is inadvertently knocked over.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
dispensing cover for a fiberboard drum which can be securely
attached to the fiberboard drum yet can be readily opened by means
of a tear strip.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
dispensing cover for a fiberboard drum which can be securely
attached to the fiberboard drum without a separate taping
operation.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a dispensing cover for a fiberboard drum which allows the
fiberboard drum with the cover attached to be stacked on top of
another fiberboard drum and cover without use of a corrugated
sheet.
[0011] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a dispensing cover for a fiberboard drum which can be
opened to dispense product and then resealably closed.
[0012] The present invention is directed to a dispensing cover for
use with a fiberboard drum. The fiberboard drum has a continuous
upstanding drum wall with a wall edge formed as a rolled-in lip,
the rolled-in lip defining the perimeter of a cover-receiving
opening. The dispensing cover includes a main body sized to fit the
perimeter of the cover-receiving opening. The main body is formed
of at least two co-planar sections that are joined together with
preferably a living hinge. More specifically, the cover main body
includes a first portion and a second portion which is pivotally
joined to the first portion. Each of the two body portions includes
an inner skirt and an outer skirt. The inner and outer skirts are
co-parallel, and extend perpendicularly outwardly from the
underside of the first and second body portions. The skirts define
with their respective body portion a cavity for receiving therein
the rolled-in lip of the fiberboard drum.
[0013] As mentioned previously, preferably a living hinge pivotally
joins together the first and second portions of the main body of
the cover. The inner skirt is separable or cut at the living hinge
so as not to impede the second portion from pivoting at the hinge
with respect to the first portion.
[0014] The outer skirt may include a tear strip which overlaps the
juncture between the first and second body portions at the hinge,
on just one lateral side of the cover, or both lateral sides. The
tear strip is preferably molded into the outer skirt, and may
include a handle portion that may be grasped by a user to remove
the molded-in tear strip from the outer skirt. This will allow the
second portion of the main body to pivot at the hinge with respect
to the first portion in order to uncover a portion of the container
opening so that the contents of the container may be dispensed. The
first portion of the cover main body remains secured to the
rolled-in lip of the fiberboard drum.
[0015] The dispensing cover may also include barbs which are
situated on the inner or outer skirt and which extend outwardly
therefrom into the cavity for receiving the rolled-in lip. Each
barb has an angled surface which rides up and over the rolled-in
lip of the fiberboard drum when the dispensing cover is first
attached to the fiberboard drum. Each barb has a generally straight
surface which traps the rolled-in lip of the first fiberboard drum
in the cavity between the skirts when the dispensing cover is fully
inserted onto the fiberboard drum.
[0016] The outer skirt of the dispensing cover situated on the
pivotal second portion may further include an exposed projection or
handle disposed in proximity to one or more barbs, with the
projection extending outwardly from the outer skirt so as to be
graspable by a user. By pulling the projection or handle outwardly
away from the barbs, the user can detach the second portion of the
cover main body from the rolled-in lip of the fiberboard drum to
allow the second portion to pivot and partially uncover the
container opening.
[0017] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a dispensing cover
formed in accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a dispensing cover
formed in accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a dispensing cover formed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of a dispensing cover formed
in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4A is an elevational view of a first side of a
dispensing cover formed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 4B is an elevational view of a second side of a
dispensing cover formed in accordance with the present invention
and which is disposed opposite to the first side shown in FIG.
4A.
[0024] FIG. 5A is an elevational view of a third side of a
dispensing cover formed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 5B is an elevational view of fourth side of a
dispensing cover formed in accordance with the present invention
and which is disposed opposite to the third side shown in FIG.
5A.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 5B of a dispensing cover formed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 4A of a dispensing cover formed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 8A is an elevational view of the first side of a
dispensing cover formed in accordance with the present invention
and shown in FIG. 4A, and further showing the dispensing cover in a
partially open position.
[0029] FIG. 8B is an elevational view of the second side of a
dispensing cover formed in accordance with the present invention
and shown in FIG. 4B, and further showing the dispensing cover in a
partially open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings, a
dispensing cover formed in accordance with the present invention is
shown in its closed position, and is designated generally as 2. The
cover is preferably injection molded using preferably thermoplastic
resin, such as polypropylene. Cover 2 is intended for use with a
fiberboard drum 4 or other type of container. The fiberboard drum 4
has a continuous upstanding drum wall 12 and a top wall edge which
is formed as a rolled-in lip 14. The wall edge defines the
perimeter of a cover-receiving opening 15. The cover 2 is comprised
of a main body 6 which is formed preferably of at least two main
body portions, i.e., a first portion 8 and a second portion 10
which is co-planar with and pivotal with respect to the first
portion 8.
[0031] As shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2, a living hinge 16
extending transversely across the main body 6 pivotally joins the
at least two co-planar body portions 8, 10, although is envisioned
to be within the scope of the present invention to form the first
and second portions 8, 10 as separate parts that are pivotally
joined together. Spaced apart outer and inner skirts 18, 20 extend
co-parallelly from the underside of the main body 6 on both the
first portion 8 and the second portion 10, as shown in FIG. 3B.
Between them the skirts 18, 20 define with the main body 6 a cavity
22 for receiving the rolled-in lip 14 of the fiberboard drum 4. As
will be explained in greater detail, the inner skirt 20 is cut to
form a gap 24 which is disposed in alignment with the living hinge
16 on each opposite lateral side 26, 28 of the cover 2. The outer
skirt 18 also may be cut or perforated, or may include a thin,
tearable flashing at joint 30 (FIG. 4B) which is also disposed in
alignment with the living hinge 16 on one lateral side 28 of the
cover, and has a molded-in tear strip 32 (FIG. 4A) disposed in
alignment with the living hinge 16 on the opposite lateral side 26
of the cover. Alternatively, the outer skirt 18 may include two
molded-in tear strips, one on each opposite lateral side 26, 28 of
the cover 2 and disposed in alignment with and bridging the living
hinge 16. The tear strip 32 preferably includes a handle portion,
such as a finger hole 34, for grasping by a user so that the tear
strip 32 may be easily removed.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 4B, and as mentioned previously, preferably
on one of the lateral sides 26, 28 of the cover 2 is a thin
flashing joint 30 which joins two adjacent sections of the outer
skirt 18 together at the living hinge 16. As will be explained in
greater detail, the joint 30 rips when the dispensing cover 2 is
first opened. Those skilled in the art recognize that a second tear
strip, like tear strip 32, may be formed on the opposite side 28 of
the dispensing cover 2 shown in FIG. 4A in place of joint 30.
Furthermore, those skilled in the art recognize that joint 30 is
optional and that a gap, such as gap 24, illustrated in FIG. 4C,
could be formed in the outer skirt 18 in alignment with the living
hinge 16.
[0033] The outer skirt 18 may further include a projection or
handle 36 which projects outwardly therefrom on a third side 38 of
the cover 2 where the pivotal second body portion 10 resides, as
shown in FIG. 5A. This projection or handle 36 has preferably the
lettering "LIFT HERE" molded in or printed on an exposed surface
thereof which is viewable as an aid to the user.
[0034] A plurality of barbs 40 are formed in either the inner skirt
20 or the outer skirt 18 and extend therefrom into the cavity 22
defined between the skirts. More specifically, a plurality of the
barbs 40 are situated between the skirts 18, 20 on the first
portion 8 of the main body, which first portion 8 remains secured
to the rolled-in lip 14 of the fiberboard drum 4. Fewer barbs 40
are used on the second portion 10 of the main body 6, and those
barbs 40 are situated between the skirts 18, 20 on the third side
38 of the cover and in proximity to the projection or handle 36. By
a user grasping the projection or handle 36 and pulling outwardly
and upwardly thereon, the barbs 40 of the second portion 10 will
disengage from the rolled-in lip 14 of the fiberboard drum 4 so
that the second portion 10 may be pivoted with respect to the first
portion 8, uncovering partially the opening 15 of the fiberboard
drum in order to dispense the contents held therein.
[0035] The barbs 40 have also an angled surface 42 which rides up
and over the rolled-in lip 14 of the fiberboard drum when the
dispensing cover 2 is first attached to the fiberboard drum 4. The
barbs have a generally straight surface 44 extending horizontally
outwardly from the skirt 18, 20 to meet the angled surface 42,
which traps the rolled-in lip 14 of the fiberboard drum 4 within
the cavity 22 formed by the outer and inner skirts 18, 20 and the
main body 6 of the cover 2 when the dispensing cover is fully
inserted on the fiberboard drum 4. The generally straight surfaces
44 and the underside portion of the rolled-in lip 14 interact to
permanently attach the dispensing cover 2 to the fiberboard drum 4,
except where the projection or handle 36 is disposed. It should be
noted that, preferably, no barbs 40 are situated on the opposite
lateral sides 26, 28 of the pivotal second portion 10 in order to
allow the second portion 10 to lift free of the fiberboard drum 4
to partially uncover the opening 15.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of knee braces 46 extending
from the inner surface of the inner skirt 20 to the underside of
the first and second portions 8, 10 are provided to strengthen the
cover 2 and to prevent deflection of the inner skirt 20.
[0037] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the dispensing cover 2 in a
partially open position. Upon removing the tear strip 32 from the
outer skirt 18 and pulling on the projection or handle 36 outwardly
and then upwardly, a user may now open the cover, as the second
portion 10 is free to pivot at the living hinge 16 with respect to
the first portion 8 which remains secured to the fiberboard drum 4.
The thin flashing 30 on the opposite lateral side 28 from where the
tear strip 32 is located will rip under slight force, allowing the
second portion 10 to pivot upwardly away from the rolled-in lip 14,
and partially uncovering the opening 15 formed in the fiberboard
drum 4. By the user pulling the projection or handle 36 outwardly
and upwardly away from the wall 12 of the fiberboard drum 4, the
barbs 40 on the second portion 10 of the main cover 6 situated in
proximity to the projection or handle 36 will disengage from the
rolled-in lip 14, freeing the second portion 10 to pivot away from
the fiberboard drum opening 15. The contents of the fiberboard drum
4 may now be dispensed through the partially uncovered opening
15.
[0038] The dispensing cover 2 may further include stack alignment
projections 48 which preferably extend upwardly from the top
surface of the main body 6 near the four corners of the dispensing
cover 2. The stack alignment projections 48 allow several
containers to be stacked one on top of the other. The bottom of the
fiberboard drum 4 also has a recessed rolled-in edge (not shown)
about the periphery thereof, and the stack alignment projections 48
are positioned to extend upwardly and to be received inwardly of
the rolled-in bottom edge of another fiberboard drum stacked
thereon at the inner corners of the rolled-in bottom edge.
[0039] As a result, the dispensing cover 2 of the present invention
provides, with the fiberboard drum 4, a container which can be
stacked one on top of the other without use of a corrugated sheet
between the stacked containers. The dispensing cover 2 remains
affixed to the fiberboard drum 4 until it is ready to be opened.
The pivotal second portion 10 of the main body 6 of the cover 2
cannot pivot until the tear strip 32 is removed.
[0040] It should be understood that the dispensing cover is useable
with many different types of containers, including those with a
rolled-in lip or a rolled-out lip (generally referred to as a
rolled-over lip), as the barbs of the dispensing cover will engage
both types of lips to secure the cover to the container.
[0041] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention
have been described herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and
modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *