U.S. patent application number 11/066751 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for closure system with improved sealing of lid.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEAQUIST CLOSURES FOREIGN, INC.. Invention is credited to Stacy L. Beilke, Cori M. Blomdahl, Marge M. Hicks, Nicholas J. Jelich, Kelly A. Smith.
Application Number | 20060191933 11/066751 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36931125 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060191933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hicks; Marge M. ; et
al. |
August 31, 2006 |
Closure system with improved sealing of lid
Abstract
A closure system is provided with a peripheral wall (e.g., as
defined either by a top portion of a container for extending from,
and defining, an opening or as defined by a separate closure body
for extending from a container). The peripheral wall has a
laterally inwardly extending sealing member. A lid is provided for
being moved from an open position to a closed position on the
peripheral wall. The lid has a flange with a peripheral sealable
surface for being engaged by the sealing member of the peripheral
wall to effect a seal.
Inventors: |
Hicks; Marge M.; (Eagle,
WI) ; Beilke; Stacy L.; (Eagle, WI) ; Jelich;
Nicholas J.; (Oconomowoc, WI) ; Blomdahl; Cori
M.; (Muskego, WI) ; Smith; Kelly A.; (East
Troy, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, PHILLIPS, KATZ, CLARK & MORTIMER
500 W. MADISON STREET
SUITE 3800
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Assignee: |
SEAQUIST CLOSURES FOREIGN,
INC.
|
Family ID: |
36931125 |
Appl. No.: |
11/066751 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.3 ;
215/232; 215/235; 220/259.2; 220/359.2; 222/556 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/0804
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.3 ;
220/259.2; 215/235; 222/556; 220/359.2; 215/232 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/18 20060101
B65D051/18; B65D 43/18 20060101 B65D043/18; B65D 41/00 20060101
B65D041/00; B65D 39/00 20060101 B65D039/00 |
Claims
1. A closure system for a container that has an interior where a
product may be stored, said closure system comprising: (A) a
peripheral wall for extending from said container around an opening
to the container interior and through which the product can be
removed in a discharge direction that is perpendicular to said
opening; and (B) a lid movable between (1) a closed position
occluding said opening, and (2) a fully opened position exposing
said opening; and wherein (a) said peripheral wall includes a
laterally inwardly extending sealing member cantilevered over part
of said opening, said sealing member including a tapering first
portion that becomes thinner in the radially inward direction, said
tapering first portion being defined by an outwardly convex first
surface and an inwardly concave second surface, said sealing member
including a distal second portion extending from said first
portion, said distal second portion having a transverse
cross-sectional configuration that is defined by (i) a laterally
inwardly extending top arcuate surface, (ii) a laterally inwardly
extending bottom arcuate surface, and (iii) a sealing surface that
is generally parallel to said discharge direction and that extends
between, and merges with, said top arcuate surface and said bottom
arcuate surface; and (b) said lid includes a closure flange that
defines a peripheral sealable surface which, when said lid is in
said closed position, is (i) oriented generally parallel to said
discharge direction, and (ii) sealingly engaged with said sealing
surface of said distal second portion of said peripheral wall
sealing member so as to force said distal second portion laterally
outwardly, and in which: (iii) when said lid is in said closed
position, said lid flange sealable surface extends inwardly, in the
direction opposite to said discharge direction, beyond said
peripheral wall sealing member by an amount at least as great as
0.59% of the largest lateral dimension measured across the locus of
the periphery defined by said lid flange sealable surface; (iv) the
largest lateral dimension of said sealing surface of said sealing
member distal second portion, as measured perpendicular to said
discharge direction and across the locus defined by said sealing
surface of said sealing member distal second portion when said lid
is opened, is between about 0.3% and about 2.0% smaller than the
largest lateral dimension of said lid flange sealable surface as
measured across the locus of the flange periphery defined by said
lid flange sealable surface whereby, when said lid is closed, said
peripheral wall sealing member distal second portion is forced
laterally outwardly by said lid flange sealable surface; (v) said
peripheral wall has an interior surface from which said sealing
member extends, and wherein said peripheral wall interior surface
has a dimension X defined as the largest lateral dimension across
the locus defined by said peripheral wall interior surface as
measured perpendicular to said discharge direction; wherein said
sealing surface of said sealing member distal second portion has a
dimension Y defined as the largest lateral dimension measured
across the locus defined by said sealing surface of said sealing
member distal second portion as measured perpendicular to the
discharge direction; and wherein the ratio of X to Y is between
about 1.04 and about 1.08; and (vi) said peripheral wall sealing
member distal second portion sealing surface has a height as
measured along said discharge direction, and the ratio of said
sealing surface height to said peripheral wall interior surface
dimension X is between about 0.08 and about 0.17.
2. A closure system for a container that has an interior where a
product may be stored, said closure system comprising: (A) a
peripheral wall for extending from said container around an opening
to the container interior and through which the product can be
removed in a discharge direction that is perpendicular to said
opening; and (B) a lid movable between (1) a closed position
occluding said opening, and (2) a fully opened position exposing
said opening; and wherein (a) said peripheral wall includes a
laterally inwardly extending sealing member cantilevered over part
of said opening, said sealing member including a first portion and
a distal second portion having a transverse cross-sectional
configuration that is defined by (i) a laterally inwardly extending
top arcuate surface, (ii) a laterally inwardly extending bottom
arcuate surface, and (iii) a sealing surface that is generally
parallel to said discharge direction and that extends between, and
merges with, said top arcuate surface and said bottom arcuate
surface; and (b) said lid includes a closure flange that defines a
peripheral sealable surface which, when said lid is in said closed
position, is (i) oriented generally parallel to said discharge
direction, and (ii) sealingly engaged with said sealing surface of
said distal second portion of said peripheral wall sealing member
so as to force said distal second portion laterally outwardly.
3. The system in accordance with claim 2 in which said system is a
closure that is separate from, but attachable to, a container that
has an opening to the container interior; said closure includes a
body defining said peripheral wall; and said lid and body are
molded as an unitary structure joined by a hinge.
4. The system in accordance with claim 2 in which said lid flange
and said peripheral wall sealing member each has an oval
configuration.
5. The system in accordance with claim 2 in which, when said lid is
in said closed position, said lid flange sealable surface extends
inwardly, in the direction opposite to said discharge direction,
beyond said peripheral wall sealing member by an amount that is
between about 0.5% and 10.0% of the largest lateral dimension
measured across the locus of the periphery defined by said lid
flange sealable surface.
6. The system in accordance with claim 2 in which the largest
lateral dimension of said sealing surface of said peripheral wall
sealing member distal second portion, as measured perpendicular to
said discharge direction and across the locus defined by said
sealing surface of said peripheral wall sealing member distal
second portion when said lid is opened, is between about 0.3% and
about 2.0% smaller than the largest lateral dimension of said lid
flange sealable surface as measured across the locus of the flange
periphery defined by said lid flange sealable surface whereby, when
said lid is closed, said peripheral wall sealing member distal
second portion is forced laterally outwardly by said lid flange
sealable surface.
7. The system in accordance with claim 2 in which said lid flange
sealable surface and said peripheral wall sealing member distal
second portion interfere when said lid is in said closed position
so as to force said peripheral wall sealing member distal second
portion laterally outwardly a distance at least as great as about
0.2 mm.
8. The system in accordance with claim 2 in which said peripheral
wall has an interior surface from which said sealing member
extends; and said peripheral wall sealing member distal second
portion sealing surface has a height, as measured along said
discharge direction, and the ratio of said sealing surface height
to the largest lateral dimension across the locus defined by said
peripheral wall interior surface as measured perpendicular to said
discharge direction is between about 0.08 and about 0.17.
9. The system in accordance with claim 8 in which said sealing
surface height is between about 0.10 mm. and about 1.02 mm.
10. The system in accordance with claim 2 in which said peripheral
wall has an interior surface from which said sealing member
extends; and wherein said peripheral wall interior surface has a
dimension X defined as the largest lateral dimension across the
locus defined by said peripheral wall interior surface as measured
perpendicular to said discharge direction; wherein said sealing
surface of said sealing member distal second portion has a
dimension Y defined as the largest lateral dimension measured
across the locus defined by said sealing surface of said sealing
member distal second portion as measured perpendicular to the
discharge direction; and wherein the ratio of X to Y is between
about 1.04 and about 1.08.
11. The system in accordance with claim 2 in which said sealing
member first portion tapers and becomes thinner in the radially
inward direction; and said sealing member first portion is defined
by an outwardly convex first surface and an inwardly concave second
surface.
12. A closure system for a container that has an interior where a
product may be stored, said closure system comprising: (A) a
peripheral wall for extending from said container around an opening
to the container interior and through which the product can be
removed in a discharge direction that is perpendicular to said
opening; and (B) a lid movable between (1) a closed position
occluding said opening, and (2) a fully opened position exposing
said opening; and wherein (a) said peripheral wall includes a
laterally inwardly extending sealing member cantilevered over part
of said opening, said sealing member including a first portion and
a distal second portion extending from said first portion to define
a sealing surface that is generally parallel to said discharge
direction; and (b) said lid includes a closure flange that defines
a peripheral sealable surface which, when said lid is in said
closed position, (i) is oriented generally parallel to said
discharge direction, (ii) has a minimum lateral dimension measured
across the locus of the periphery defined by the sealable surface
that exceeds 40 mm.; (iii) is sealingly engaged with said sealing
surface of said distal second portion of said sealing member of
said peripheral wall so as to force said distal second portion
laterally outwardly; and (iv) extends inwardly, in the direction
opposite to said discharge direction, beyond said peripheral wall
sealing member by an amount that is between about 0.5% and about
10.0% of the largest lateral dimension measured across the locus of
the periphery defined by said lid flange sealable surface.
13. The system in accordance with claim 12 in which said system is
a closure that is separate from, but attachable to, a container
that has an opening to the container interior; said closure
includes a body defining said peripheral wall; and said lid and
body are molded as an unitary structure joined by a hinge.
14. The system in accordance with claim 12 in which (1) the largest
lateral dimension of said sealing surface of said sealing member
distal second portion, as measured perpendicular to said discharge
direction and across the locus defined by said sealing surface of
said sealing member distal second portion when said lid is opened,
is between about 0.3% and about 2.0% smaller than the largest
lateral dimension of said lid flange sealable surface as measured
across the locus of the flange periphery defined by said lid flange
sealable surface whereby, when said lid is closed, said peripheral
wall sealing member distal second portion is forced laterally
outwardly by said lid flange sealable surface; (2) said peripheral
wall has an interior surface from which said sealing member
extends, and wherein said peripheral wall interior surface has a
dimension X defined as the largest lateral dimension across the
locus defined by said peripheral wall interior surface as measured
perpendicular to said discharge direction; wherein said sealing
surface of said sealing member distal second portion has a
dimension Y defined as the largest lateral dimension measured
across the locus defined by said sealing surface of said sealing
member distal second portion as measured perpendicular to the
discharge direction; and wherein the ratio of X to Y is between
about 1.04 and about 1.08; (3) said peripheral wall sealing member
distal second portion sealing surface has a height as measured
along said discharge direction, and the ratio of said sealing
surface height to said peripheral wall interior surface dimension X
is between about 0.08 and about 0.17; (4) said sealing member first
portion tapers and becomes thinner in the radially inward
direction; and (5) said sealing member first portion is defined by
an outwardly convex first surface and an inwardly concave second
surface.
15. A closure system for a container that has an interior where a
product may be stored, said closure system comprising: (A) a
peripheral wall for extending from said container around an opening
to the container interior and through which the product can be
removed in a discharge direction that is perpendicular to said
opening; and (B) a lid movable between (1) a closed position
occluding said opening, and (2) a fully opened position exposing
said opening; and wherein (a) said peripheral wall includes a
laterally inwardly extending sealing member cantilevered over part
of said opening, said sealing member including a first portion and
a distal second portion extending from said first portion to define
a sealing surface that is generally parallel to said discharge
direction; (b) said lid includes a closure flange that defines a
peripheral sealable surface which, when said lid is in said closed
position, (i) is oriented generally parallel to said discharge
direction, (ii) is sealingly engaged with said sealing surface of
said distal second portion of said sealing member of said
peripheral wall so as to force said distal second portion laterally
outwardly; and (c) the largest lateral dimension of said sealing
surface of said peripheral wall sealing member distal second
portion, as measured perpendicular to said discharge direction and
across the locus defined by said sealing surface of said peripheral
wall of said sealing member distal second portion when said lid is
opened, is between about 0.3% and about 2.0% smaller than the
largest lateral dimension of said lid flange sealable surface as
measured across the locus of the flange periphery defined by said
lid flange sealable surface whereby, when said lid is closed, said
peripheral wall sealing member distal second portion is forced
laterally outwardly by said lid flange sealable surface.
16. The system in accordance with claim 15 in which said system is
a closure that is separate from, but attachable to, a container
that has an opening to the container interior; said closure
includes a body defining said peripheral wall; and said lid and
body are molded as an unitary structure joined by a hinge.
17. The system in accordance with claim 15 in which (1) when said
lid is in said closed position, said flange sealable surface
extends inwardly, in the direction opposite to said discharge
direction, beyond said peripheral wall sealing member by an amount
that is between about 0.5% and about 10.0% of the largest lateral
dimension measured across the locus of the periphery defined by
said lid flange sealable surface; (2) said peripheral wall has an
interior surface from which said sealing member extends, and
wherein said peripheral wall interior surface has a dimension X
defined as the largest lateral dimension across the locus defined
by said peripheral wall interior surface as measured perpendicular
to said discharge direction; wherein said sealing surface of said
sealing member distal second portion has a dimension Y defined as
the largest lateral dimension measured across the locus defined by
said sealing surface of said sealing member distal second portion
as measured perpendicular to the discharge direction; and wherein
the ratio of X to Y is between about 1.04 and about 1.08; (3) said
peripheral wall sealing member distal second portion sealing
surface has a height as measured along said discharge direction,
and the ratio of said sealing surface height to said peripheral
wall interior surface dimension X is between about 0.08 an 0.17;
(4) said sealing member first portion tapers and becomes thinner in
the radially inward direction; and (5) said sealing member first
portion is defined by an outwardly convex first surface and an
inwardly concave second surface.
18. A closure system for a container that has an interior where a
product may be stored, said closure system comprising: (A) a
peripheral wall for extending from said container around an opening
to the container interior and through which the product can be
removed in a discharge direction that is perpendicular to said
opening; and (B) a lid movable between (1) a closed position
occluding said opening, and (2) a fully opened position exposing
said opening; and wherein (a) said peripheral wall has an interior
surface and further includes a laterally inwardly extending sealing
member cantilevered from said interior surface over part of said
opening, said sealing member including a first portion and a distal
second portion extending from said first portion to define a
sealing surface that (i) is generally parallel to said discharge
direction, and (ii) has a height as measured along said discharge
direction, and the ratio of the height of said sealing surface to
the largest lateral dimension of said peripheral wall interior
surface as measured perpendicular to said discharge direction is
between about 0.08 and about 0.17; and (b) said lid includes a
closure flange that defines a peripheral sealable surface which,
when said lid is in said closed position, is (i) oriented generally
parallel to said discharge direction, and (ii) sealingly engaged
with said sealing surface of said distal second portion of said
peripheral wall sealing member so as to force said distal second
portion laterally outwardly.
19. The system in accordance with claim 18 in which said system is
a closure that is separate from, but attachable to, a container
that has an opening to the container interior; said closure
includes a body defining said peripheral wall; and said lid and
body are molded as an unitary structure joined by a hinge.
20. The system in accordance with claim 18 in which, (1) when said
lid is in said closed position, said lid flange sealable surface
extends inwardly, in the direction opposite to said discharge
direction, beyond said peripheral wall sealing member by an amount
that is between about 0.5% and about 10.0% of the largest lateral
dimension measured across the locus of the periphery defined by
said lid flange sealable surface; (2) the largest lateral dimension
of said sealing surface of said peripheral wall sealing member
distal second portion, as measured perpendicular to said discharge
direction and across the locus defined by said sealing surface of
said peripheral wall sealing member distal second portion when said
lid is opened, is between about 0.3% and about 2.0% smaller than
the largest lateral dimension of said lid flange sealable surface
as measured across the locus of the flange periphery defined by
said lid flange sealable surface whereby, when said lid is closed,
said peripheral wall sealing member distal second portion is forced
laterally outwardly by said lid flange sealable surface; (3) said
peripheral wall has an interior surface from which said sealing
member extends, and wherein said peripheral wall interior surface
has a dimension X defined as the largest lateral dimension across
the locus defined by said peripheral wall interior surface as
measured perpendicular to said discharge direction; wherein said
sealing surface of said sealing member distal second portion has a
dimension Y defined as the largest lateral dimension measured
across the locus defined by said sealing surface of said sealing
member distal second portion as measured perpendicular to the
discharge direction; wherein the ratio of X to Y is between about
1.04 and about 1.08; (4) said sealing member first portion tapers
and becomes thinner in the radially inward direction; (5) said
sealing member first portion is defined by an outwardly convex
first surface and an inwardly concave second surface, and (6) said
sealing surface height is between about 0.10 mm. and about 1.02 mm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] This invention relates to a closure system for a
container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE
PRIOR ART
[0005] There are a variety of types of conventional closures. One
type of prior art closure system includes a body for being attached
to the top of a container. The body defines an opening to the
container interior. The system further includes a lid which is
hingedly mounted on the body and which can be lifted up to expose
the opening to the container interior. The closure body to which
the lid is attached may be alternatively described as the closure
base or base portion.
[0006] For some types of products, it would be desirable to provide
a closure with a hinged top or other lid structure that could
provide access to the product (such as fluent products, as well as
non-fluent products), and that would optionally accommodate either
the insertion of a utensil through the open closure to permit the
product to be scooped out of the container with a spoon, knife,
ladle, etc., or accommodate the insertion of a user's hand through
the open closure so that the product can be lifted out by the
user's hand.
[0007] It would be advantageous if such a closure could be provided
with an improved seal between the lid and the closure
body--especially for a "wide mouth" closure in which the smallest
dimension across the product discharge opening is at least 40 mm.
or more. In the past, the inventors of the present invention have
found that it is difficult to design wide mouth, disposable,
thermoplastic closures that have sufficiently good sealing
capabilities and that are sufficiently robust to accommodate
manufacturing processes, assembly processes, and handling during
shipping and use.
[0008] It would be desirable to provide an improved seal for a
closure, including a wide mouth closure, in which the seal could
function effectively to provide proper sealing and that would be
sufficiently robust. It would be also especially desirable if such
an improved seal could function effectively to guide a cooperating
portion of the lid during closing of the lid.
[0009] It would also be beneficial if the improved seal could
accommodate some warpage or other distortion of a large closure
without deleteriously affecting the sealing capability.
[0010] Further, it would also be desirable if the improved seal had
the optional capability for being incorporated in a closure having
a lid that could be preferably connected with a hinge to the
closure body.
[0011] It would also be advantageous if a closure with such an
improved seal could accommodate containers which have a variety of
shapes and which are constructed from a variety of materials.
[0012] Preferably, a closure with such an improved seal should
accommodate ease of use. Preferably, the structural features of
such an improved closure should also be capable of being readily
incorporated into a design that facilitates cleaning of the
closure.
[0013] It would also be beneficial if a closure with such an
improved seal could readily accommodate its manufacture from a
thermoplastic material.
[0014] It would also be desirable if a closure with such an
improved seal could be molded from thermoplastic materials in one
or more pieces, and preferably molded in only one, integral unit so
as to not require assembly of multiple parts.
[0015] Further, it would be desirable if a closure with such an
improved seal could accommodate efficient, high-quality,
high-speed, large volume manufacturing techniques with a reduced
product reject rate to produce products having consistent operating
characteristics unit-to-unit with high reliability.
[0016] It would also be advantageous if such an improved seal could
also optionally be incorporated, at least in part, directly in a
container around the container opening to function as part of the
closure system without requiring the use of a separate closure
body, per se.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The improved seal of the present invention can be
incorporated into a closure system that may include one or more of
the above-discussed, desired features.
[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a first
form of such a closure system is provided for a container that has
an interior where a product may be stored. The closure system
includes: [0019] (A) a peripheral wall for extending from the
container around an opening to the container interior and through
which the product can be removed in a discharge direction that is
perpendicular to the opening; and [0020] (B) a lid that is movable
between (1) a closed position occluding the opening, and (2) a
fully opened position exposing the opening.
[0021] The peripheral wall may be a closure base formed as a
unitary or integral extension of the container, or may be a
separate closure body for installation on the container. The
peripheral wall includes a laterally inwardly extending sealing
member cantilevered over part of the opening. The sealing member
includes a first portion and a distal second portion having a
transverse cross-sectional configuration that is defined by (a) a
laterally inwardly extending top arcuate surface, (b) a laterally
inwardly extending bottom arcuate surface, and (c) a sealing
surface that is generally parallel to the discharge direction and
that extends between, and merges with, the top arcuate surface and
the bottom arcuate surface.
[0022] The lid includes a closure flange that defines a peripheral
sealable surface which, when the lid is in said closed position, is
(a) oriented generally parallel to the discharge direction, and (b)
sealingly engaged with the sealing surface of the distal second
portion of the sealing member so as to force the distal second
portion laterally outwardly.
[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, another form
of a closure system is provided for a container that has an
interior where a product may be stored, and the closure system
includes: [0024] (A) a peripheral wall for extending from the
container around an opening to the container interior and through
which the product can be removed in a discharge direction that is
perpendicular to the opening; and [0025] (B) a lid movable between
(1) a closed position occluding the opening, and (2) a fully opened
position exposing the opening; and wherein [0026] (a) the
peripheral wall includes a laterally inwardly extending sealing
member cantilevered over part of the opening, the sealing member
including a first portion and a distal second portion extending
from the first portion to define a sealing surface that is
generally parallel to the discharge direction; and [0027] (b) the
lid includes a closure flange that defines a peripheral sealable
surface which, when the lid is in the closed position, [0028] (i)
is oriented generally parallel to the discharge direction, [0029]
(ii) has a minimum lateral dimension measured across the locus of
the periphery defined by the sealable surface that exceeds 40 mm.;
[0030] (iii) is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface of the
distal second portion of the sealing member of the peripheral wall
so as to force the distal second portion laterally outwardly; and
[0031] (iv) extends inwardly, in the direction opposite to the
discharge direction, beyond the peripheral wall sealing member by
an amount that is between about 0.5% and about 10.0% of the largest
lateral dimension measured across the locus of the periphery
defined by the lid flange sealable surface.
[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, another form
of a closure system is provided for a container that has an
interior where a product may be stored, and the closure system
includes: [0033] (A) a peripheral wall for extending from the
container around an opening to the container interior and through
which the product can be removed in a discharge direction that is
perpendicular to the opening; and [0034] (B) a lid movable between
(1) a closed position occluding the opening, and (2) a fully opened
position exposing the opening; and wherein [0035] (a) the
peripheral wall includes a laterally inwardly extending sealing
member cantilevered over part of the opening, the sealing member
including a first portion and a distal second portion extending
from the first portion to define a sealing surface that is
generally parallel to the discharge direction; [0036] (b) the lid
includes a closure flange that defines a peripheral sealable
surface which, when the lid is in the closed position, [0037] (i)
is oriented generally parallel to the discharge direction, [0038]
(ii) is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface of the distal
second portion of the sealing member of the peripheral wall so as
to force the distal second portion laterally outwardly; and [0039]
(c) the largest lateral dimension of the sealing surface of the
peripheral wall sealing member distal second portion, as measured
perpendicular to the discharge direction and across the locus
defined by the sealing surface of the peripheral wall of the
sealing member distal second portion when the lid is opened, is
between about 0.3% and about 2.0% smaller than the largest lateral
dimension of the lid flange sealable surface as measured across the
locus of the flange periphery defined by the lid flange sealable
surface whereby, when the lid is closed, the peripheral wall
sealing member distal second portion is forced laterally outwardly
by the lid flange sealable surface.
[0040] In embodiments that are presently most preferred, the
largest lateral dimension of the sealing surface of the peripheral
wall of the sealing member distal second portion is between about
0.50% and about 0.75% smaller than the largest lateral dimension of
the lid flange sealable surface.
[0041] According to another aspect of the invention, another form
of a closure system is provided for a container that has an
interior where a product may be stored, and the closure system
includes: [0042] (A) a peripheral wall for extending from the
container around an opening to the container interior and through
which the product can be removed in a discharge direction that is
perpendicular to the opening; and [0043] (B) a lid movable between
(1) a closed position occluding the opening, and (2) a fully opened
position exposing the opening; and wherein [0044] (a) the
peripheral wall has interior surface and further includes a
laterally inwardly extending sealing member cantilevered from said
interior surface over part of the opening, the sealing member
including a first portion and a distal second portion extending
from the first portion to define a sealing surface that (i) is
generally parallel to the discharge direction, and (ii) has a
height measured along the discharge direction, and the ratio of the
height of said sealing surface to the largest lateral dimension of
said peripheral wall interior surface as measured perpendicular to
said discharge direction is between about 0.08 and about 0.17; and
[0045] (b) the lid includes a closure flange that defines a
peripheral sealable surface which, when the lid is in the closed
position, is [0046] (i) oriented generally parallel to the
discharge direction, and [0047] (ii) sealingly engaged with the
sealing surface of the distal second portion of the peripheral wall
sealing member so as to force the distal second portion laterally
outwardly.
[0048] The closure system of the present invention is especially
suitable for (but not limited to) relatively large product
discharge openings (e.g., an opening (which may be round, oval, or
some other shape) wherein the minimum lateral dimension across the
opening is at least 40 mm.).
[0049] Numerous other advantages and features of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention, from the claims, and from the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] In the accompanying drawings forming part of the
specification, in which like numerals are employed to designate
like parts throughout the same,
[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
closure system of the present invention as embodied in a closure
for use on, or as part of, a container (not illustrated), and the
closure is shown in a completely closed condition;
[0052] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken generally
along the plane 2-2 in FIG. 1;
[0053] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
the region in FIG. 2 indicated by the circle designated "FIG.
3";
[0054] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
closure illustrated in FIG. 1, but in FIG. 4, the lid is shown in
an open position;
[0055] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view, taken generally
along the plane 5-5 in FIG. 4;
[0056] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
the region in FIG. 5 indicated by the oval designated "FIG. 6;"
[0057] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of
the region in FIG. 5 indicated by the circle designated "FIG.
7;"
[0058] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary view similar to FIG. 3,
but FIG. 8 shows the lid just beginning to engage the body as the
lid is closing;
[0059] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
closure system of the present invention as embodied in a closure
for use on, or as part of, a container (not illustrated), and the
closure is shown in a completely closed condition;
[0060] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the
closure illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0061] FIG. 11 is a left side elevation view of the second
embodiment of the closure illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0062] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken generally
along the plane 12-12 in FIG. 10;
[0063] FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
the region in FIG. 12 indicated by the circle designated "FIG.
13";
[0064] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the closure illustrated in FIG. 9, but in FIG. 14, the lid is shown
in an open position; and
[0065] FIG. 15 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken generally
along the plane 15-15 in FIG. 14.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0066] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings
disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. The
invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so
described, however. The scope of the invention is pointed out in
the appended claims.
[0067] For ease of description, the closure system of this
invention is described in a generally upright orientation that it
could have at the upper end of a container when the container is
positioned upright on its base. It will be understood, however,
that the closure system of this invention may be manufactured,
stored, transported, used, and sold in orientations other than the
orientation described.
[0068] The closure system of this invention is suitable for use
with a variety of conventional or special containers having various
designs, the details of which, although not illustrated or
described, would be apparent to those having skill in the art and
an understanding of such containers. With respect to the broadest
aspects of the invention, the container, per se, need not form part
of the invention, and therefore, any particular container that is
described herein is not intended to limit the broadest aspects of
the invention.
[0069] One presently preferred, first embodiment of a closure
system of the present invention is incorporated in the closure that
is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, and that is designated generally by
reference number 30 in FIG. 1. The closure 30 is provided as a
separately manufactured unit for mounting to the top of a container
(not shown). It will be appreciated, however, that in some
applications it may be desirable for the closure 30 to be formed as
a unitary part, or extension, of the container wherein the unitary
part or extension defines an upper end structure of the container,
per se.
[0070] The container (not shown) may be a pouch-type structure or a
more rigid structure. A substantially rigid, or slightly
flexible-walled container typically has a conventional mouth which
provides access to the container interior and product contained
therein. The product may be a paste-like product or fluent product
(which can be scooped or ladled from the container with a spoon,
knife, ladle, etc.), or a product of small, individual items, such
as nuts, candies, crackers, cookies, etc. (which can be scooped out
of the container, ladled out of the container, or removed by hand
from the container). Other contemplated products include ground
coffee, sugar, or other material in the form of liquids, powders,
gels, pastes, slurries, lotions, creams, etc. Such materials may be
sold, for example, as a food product, a personal care product, an
industrial or household product (such as lotions or creams), or
other composition (e.g., for internal or external use by humans or
animals, or for use in activities involving medicine,
manufacturing, commercial or household maintenance, construction,
agriculture, etc.).
[0071] A substantially rigid container or slightly flexible-walled
container typically may have a neck or other suitable structure
defining the container mouth having a cross-sectional configuration
with which the closure 30 is adapted to engage. The body of the
container may have another cross-sectional configuration that
differs from the cross-sectional configuration of the container
mouth. The container may, on the other hand, have a substantially
uniform shape along its entire length or height without any neck
portion of reduced size or different cross-section.
[0072] The container may also be a pouch or bag fabricated from a
relatively thin, flexible film, or the container may be a
squeezable container having a flexible wall or walls which can be
grasped by the user and compressed somewhat. One embodiment of the
closure 30 is especially suitable for use with a container that has
substantially inflexible walls that are not intended to be squeezed
inwardly by the user. Another embodiment is especially suitable for
a flexible pouch-type container.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 4 for the first embodiment, the preferred
structure of the closure 30 comprises (A) a peripheral wall 32 that
defines the closure base or body 32, and (B) a lid 34 joined to the
peripheral wall 32 (i.e., the closure base or body) by a hinge 36
which may be of any suitable conventional hinge design known in the
closure art, or which may be of a special design, the details of
which form no part of the present invention. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the hinge 36 incorporates the hinge
design of the snap-action type disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No.
4,403,712. In the preferred, first embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1-8, the closure peripheral wall 32 (i.e., the closure base or
body), lid 34, and hinge 36 are molded from a suitable
thermoplastic material (such as polypropylene or the like) as an
integral structure (which may include a bi-injection molded feature
or other multi-step injection molded features). Other materials may
be employed instead.
[0074] In an alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the lid 34
could be a piece that is separate from the peripheral wall 32
(i.e., closure base or body), and that is not connected to the
peripheral wall 32 by any hinge.
[0075] In yet another alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the
lid 34 and peripheral wall 32 could be separate pieces that each
has a cooperating portion of a hinge and that can be assembled
together to provide a hinged assembly for accommodating pivoting
movement of the lid 34 on the peripheral wall 32 between the closed
and open positions.
[0076] In other contemplated embodiments, the peripheral wall 32
(or even the entire closure 30) need not be a structure or assembly
that is completely separate from the container. Instead, the
container could be made with a dispensing end structure that
incorporates the closure 30, or at least the peripheral wall 32, as
a unitary part of the top of the container. To create such an
alternate embodiment, the illustrated first embodiment closure 30
could be modified so that it is formed as an extension of the top
of the container, and the extending portion defining the closure
peripheral wall 32 could then be characterized as a structural
feature that functions to accommodate communication with the
container interior. In any case, the peripheral wall 32 (whether it
is a unitary portion of the top of the container or a separate
piece that is releasably or permanently mounted at the top of the
container) may be characterized as a peripheral wall for extending
from the container around the opening to the container.
[0077] Regardless of whether or not the entire closure 30 (or just
the peripheral wall 32) is molded as a unitary extension of a
container or is a separate unit, the container may have an
initially open bottom end opposite the top end on which the closure
30 is located, and such a bottom end could be used for
accommodating the filling of the inverted container with the
product. After the inverted container is filled with the product
through the open bottom end of the container, the open bottom end
of the container could be closed by suitable means, such as by a
separate bottom end closure which could be attached to the
container bottom end (e.g., through a suitable threaded engagement,
snap-fit engagement, adhesive engagement, thermal bonding
engagement, etc.). Alternatively, such an open bottom portion of
the container could be deformed closed (e.g., with an appropriate
process applying heat and force if the container bottom end portion
is made from a thermoplastic material or other material that would
accommodate the use of such a process).
[0078] Where the peripheral wall 32 is the base or body of a
separate closure 30, as in the preferred, first embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the peripheral wall 32 may have a skirt
40 (FIGS. 2 and 4) with a screw thread 42 (FIG. 2) for releasably
attaching the base or body 32 to a mating thread of a container
(not shown). Hereinafter in the description of the closure system,
the peripheral wall 32 will be usually referred to simply as the
closure base or body 32.
[0079] The closure body 32 and container could also be releasably
connected by providing the body 32 with a conventional bead (not
shown) for snap-fit engagement with a mating container groove (not
shown), or by other means. Alternatively, the closure body 32 may
be permanently attached to the container by means of induction
bonding, ultrasonic bonding, gluing, or the like, depending upon
the materials employed for the container and closure body 32.
[0080] The interior of the body 32 may also include special or
conventional seal features to provide an enhanced leak-tight seal
between the closure body 32 and the container. The illustrated body
32 employs such an enhanced seal feature in the form of a
conventional "crab's claw" type of seal 44 (FIG. 2) for sealing
against the container.
[0081] In the preferred first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8,
the closure body 32 includes an upwardly projecting spout 50 (FIGS.
5 and 7) which has a cylindrical exterior surface 52 (FIG. 7)
having an outside diameter D.sub.1 (FIG. 7). The inside of the
spout 50 is defined in part by an interior surface 54 (FIG. 7)
which has a diameter D.sub.2 and which has an annular, cylindrical
configuration concentric with the spout exterior surface 52.
[0082] The closure body 32, and in particular the spout 50, defines
a dispensing passage for communicating with the opening of the
container (not shown) and defines a product discharge direction
that is generally perpendicular to the container opening through
which the product can be removed (by pouring, scooping, lifting
out, etc.).
[0083] The closure body 32 includes a sealing member 60 (FIG. 7)
which extends laterally inwardly from the spout interior surface 54
so that it is cantilevered over the container opening when the
closure 30 is installed on the container. As can be seen in FIG. 7,
the sealing member 60 includes a first portion 61 and a distal
second portion 62 extending from the first portion 61. Preferably,
the first portion 61 tapers so that it becomes thinner in the
radially inward direction.
[0084] In the preferred embodiment, the exterior surface of the
sealing member first portion 61 is defined by a circular radius
R.sub.1. The interior surface of the sealing member 60, extending
along the sealing member first portion 61 as well as along the
sealing member distal second portion 62, is defined by a circular
radius R.sub.2. The radius R.sub.1 and the radius R.sub.2 are
located so that the arcuate surface defined by radius R.sub.1 and
the arcuate surface defined by the radius R.sub.2 each becomes
tangent to horizontal planes passing through the spout in an
orientation perpendicular to the discharge direction. In
particular, the arcuate surface defined by the radius R.sub.1 is
tangent to an upper plane P.sub.1 (FIG. 7), and the arcuate surface
defined by the radius R.sub.2 is tangent to a lower plane P.sub.2
(FIG. 7).
[0085] The maximum thickness of the sealing member 60 where it
attaches to the spout 50 between the planes P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 is
designated T.sub.1 in FIG. 7. The sealing member exterior arcuate
surface defined by the radius R.sub.1 has a radially inwardly
extending length designated L.sub.1 in FIG. 7. The sealing member
60 extends radially inwardly from the spout interior surface 54 for
a distance or length L.sub.2 as designated in FIG. 7. The total
height of the sealing member 60 is designated as H.sub.1 in FIG. 7.
The sealing member 60 projects below the point where the arcuate
interior surface defined by the radius R.sub.2 merges with the
spout 50 (at the plane P.sub.2), and the amount of this projection
is shown in FIG. 7 as the distance H.sub.2.
[0086] The sealing member distal second portion 62 has a radially
inward end which, in the transverse cross-sectional configuration
as illustrated in FIG. 7, is defined by (i) a laterally inwardly
extending top arcuate surface 71, (ii) a laterally inwardly
extending bottom arcuate surface 72, and (iii) a sealing surface 74
that is generally parallel to the discharge direction and that
extends between, and merges with, the top arcuate surface 71 and
bottom arcuate surface 72. The sealing surface 74 defines the most
radially inwardly extent of the sealing member distal second
portion, and the sealing surface 74 has a cylindrical or annular
configuration having a diameter D.sub.4 as illustrated in FIG. 7.
The vertical height of the sealing surface 74, in the direction
parallel to the discharge direction, is designated H.sub.3 in FIG.
7. The sealing surface 74 is adapted to coact with a feature on the
lid 34 when the lid 34 is closed as explained in detail
hereinafter.
[0087] In the preferred configuration of the sealing member 60, the
member 60 has a generally tapering configuration over a major
portion of its length. The thinnest region occurs at the location
where the distal second portion 62 is connected to the first
portion 61, and the thinnest region dimension is designated T.sub.2
in FIG. 7.
[0088] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the closure body 32
includes a peripheral shoulder 80 for receiving the lid 34 when the
lid 34 is closed. The lid 34 includes an outer frame or skirt 82
for confronting the closure body shoulder 80 when the lid 34 is
closed. The frame or skirt 82 includes a radially inwardly
extending annular portion 84 (FIGS. 2 and 6) which terminates in a
circular opening 86. The opening 86 is covered by an insert disk 88
(FIGS. 2, 3, and 5) which is preferably bi-injection molded onto
the annular portion 84. The disk 88 may be of the same material as
the rest of the closure 30 or may be a different material. In one
preferred embodiment, the disk 88 is a translucent material, and it
may have a different tint or color than the rest of the closure. In
other contemplated embodiments, a separate disk 88 need not be
employed. Rather, the entire top of the lid 34 could be molded as
one unitary structure together with the hinge 36 and body 32, and
such a structure would not incorporate any bi-injection molded
portions or features.
[0089] In order to hold the lid 34 in the closed position, the
closure body 32 includes an upwardly projecting, annular flange 90.
At the front of the closure body 32, the flange 90 includes an
outwardly projecting engaging bead 92 for engaging a cooperating
bead 94 on the inside of the closure lid skirt 82 at the front of
the lid 34 (FIG. 5). As can be seen in FIG. 2, the front of the lid
34 has an outwardly projecting portion 96 for functioning as a
finger or thumb lift to assist the user in lifting the lid.
[0090] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the lid 34 includes a
closure flange 100 which projects from the underside of the lid 34.
The lid closure flange 100 defines a peripheral sealable surface
102 which is generally cylindrical and defines a diameter D.sub.3
as illustrated in FIG. 6. The diameter D.sub.3 of the lid sealable
surface 102 is larger than the diameter D.sub.4 of the closure body
sealing member sealing the surface 74. The outer, distal edge of
the flange 100 is tapered or chamfered at 104 as illustrated in
FIG. 6. When the lid 34 is closed (FIGS. 2 and 3), the peripheral
sealable surface 102 of the lid flange 100 is oriented generally
parallel to the discharge direction and is sealingly engaged with
the sealing surface 74 of the distal second portion 62 of the
closure body peripheral wall sealing member 60 so as to force the
distal second portion 62 laterally outwardly. FIG. 8 illustrates
the lid 34 in an intermediate position as it is being closed on the
closure body 32, and FIG. 8 shows how the closure lid flange 100
begins to engage the closure body sealing member 60 just prior to
deforming the sealing member 60 radially outwardly.
[0091] To provide a robust closure system that withstands normal
manufacturing and handling processes and that withstands normal
use, especially in relatively large diameter closures, the diameter
D.sub.3 of the closure lid flange sealable surface 102 should be
somewhat larger than the inner diameter of the closure body sealing
member sealing surface 74 as measured in the as-molded, unstressed
condition (diameter D.sub.4 in FIG. 7). Specifically, in a
preferred form of the invention, the largest lateral dimension of
the sealing surface 74 of the sealing member distal second portion
62 (i.e., dimension D.sub.4), as measured perpendicular to the
discharge direction and across the locus defined by the sealing
surface 74 of the sealing member distal second portion when the lid
is opened, is between about 0.3% and about 2.0% smaller than the
largest lateral dimension of the lid flange sealable surface 102
(i.e., dimension D.sub.3) as measured across the locus of the
periphery of the lid flange 100 defined by the lid flange sealable
surface 102. A presently most preferred range of the largest
lateral dimension of the sealing member sealing surface is between
about 0.50% and about 0.75% smaller than the largest lateral
dimension of the lid flange sealable surface 103. With such an
interfering relationship, when the lid 34 is closed, the peripheral
wall sealing member distal second portion 62 is forced laterally
outwardly by the lid flange sealable surface 102 an amount
sufficient to insure a good seal under normal conditions of use.
This helps to provide a good seal without creating excessive
fictional forces when the lid is closed and opened--thereby
facilitating operation of the lid and also reducing wear on the
sealing surfaces. In one presently preferred embodiment, the lid
flange sealable surface 102 and the peripheral wall sealing member
distal second portion 62 interfere when the lid 34 is in the closed
position so as to force the peripheral wall sealing member distal
second portion 62 radially outwardly a distance that is between
about 0.05 mm. and about 0.51 mm., and that is preferably about
0.21 mm. or at least as great as about 0.20 mm.
[0092] A presently preferred range for the height H.sub.3 (FIG. 7)
of the sealing surface 74 is between about 0.10 mm. and about 1.02
mm. for round and oval closures. It is preferable to design the
sealing surface 74 of the peripheral wall sealing member distal
second portion so that it has a height H.sub.3 (FIG. 7) based on a
desired ratio of the sealing surface height H.sub.3 to the distance
L.sub.2 (where L.sub.2 is the laterally inward extension of the
sealing member 60 from the spout interior surface 54). Such a
desired ratio of H.sub.3 to L.sub.2 is between about 0.08 and about
0.17. This helps to provide a good seal without creating excessive
fictional forces when the lid is closed and opened--thereby
facilitating operation of the lid and also reducing wear on the
sealing surfaces. In presently preferred embodiments identified in
TABLE 1 discussed below, the sealing member distal second portion
sealing surface 74 has a height (i.e., height H.sub.3 in FIG. 7)
between only about 0.15 mm. and about 0.35 mm.
[0093] In the illustrated embodiments, the peripheral wall sealing
member distal second portion sealing surface 74 height H.sub.3
(FIG. 7), as measured along the discharge direction, can be
characterized as being between about 0.25% and about 0.38% of the
largest lateral dimension D.sub.4 (FIG. 7) as measured across the
locus defined by the sealing surface 74 when the lid 34 is in the
open condition. In the presently manufactured embodiments, the
ratio H.sub.3/D.sub.4 (i.e., the ratio of the sealing member
sealing surface height H.sub.3 to the largest lateral dimension
D.sub.4 of the seal member sealing surface 74) is between about
0.002 and about 0.01 for round or oval closures.
[0094] Further, according to a preferred form of the invention,
there is a preferred relationship between the interior surface 54
of the peripheral wall or spout 50 and the sealing surface 74 of
the sealing member distal second portion 62. In particular, the
peripheral wall interior surface 54 preferably has a maximum
lateral dimension X (e.g., diameter D.sub.2) defined as the largest
lateral dimension defined by the peripheral wall interior surface
54 as measured perpendicular to the discharge direction, and the
sealing surface 74 of the sealing member distal second portion 62
has a maximum lateral dimension Y (e.g., diameter D.sub.4) defined
as the largest lateral dimension measured across the locus defined
by the sealing surface 74 measured perpendicular to the discharge
direction, and the ratio of X to Y is between about 1.04 and about
1.08.
[0095] As can be seen in FIG. 3, when the lid 34 is closed, the lid
flange sealable surface 102 extends inwardly in the direction
opposite to the discharge direction, beyond the peripheral wall
sealing member 60 by an amount designated S in FIG. 3. It has been
found that some projection of the surface 62 beyond the deformed
sealing member 60 is useful in insuring good operation of the seal
between the lid flange 100 and the sealing member 60--especially
for a closure 30 which has a relatively large discharge opening
(e.g., 40 mm. or more) and which must accommodate creep or
relaxation of the stressed closure material.
[0096] The extension S of the lid flange 100 below the sealing
member 60 is also useful in circumstances wherein the interior
pressure in the package can act to impose an outwardly directed
force on the lid 34, including when the closed package is inverted.
In a preferred design, the lid flange sealable surface 102 extends
a distance 5 beyond the closure body sealing member 60 by an amount
which is at least as great as 0.59% of the largest lateral
dimension measured across the locus of the periphery defined by the
lid flange sealable surface (i.e., dimension D.sub.3 for the
circular closure lid flange 100 illustrated in FIG. 3). In a
presently preferred range, the extension distance S is between
about 0.5% and about 10.0% of D.sub.3 for a round closure (where
D.sub.3 is the diameter of the lid flange 100) or an oval closure
(where D.sub.3 for an oval closure is the length of the major
axis). In presently manufactured closure system embodiments (which
could be round or oval), the distance S is between about 0.60% and
about 2.60% of the largest lateral dimension D.sub.3 of the lid
flange sealable surface 102. The extension distance S helps to
provide a good seal without creating excessive frictional forces
during opening and closing of the lid--thereby facilitating
operation of the lid and also reducing wear on the sealing
surfaces. In one preferred embodiment of a round closure wherein
the closure body sealing member 60 has an inner diameter D.sub.4 of
at least 57 mm. (before the lid 34 is closed), the lid flange
sealable surface 102 extends a distance S that is at least 1.40 mm.
inwardly, in the direction opposite to the discharge direction
beyond the peripheral wall sealing member 60 when the lid 34 is in
the closed position.
[0097] In the above discussion of the dimensional relationships,
the term "largest lateral dimension" has been employed with respect
to a particular feature of interest. For the first embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, wherein the closure has a generally
circular configuration, the "largest lateral dimension" is the
diameter of the particular feature. In an oval or elliptical
closure (such as the second embodiment discussed hereinafter), the
"largest lateral dimension" would be the major axis of the oval or
elliptical feature.
[0098] TABLE 1 below identifies two different sizes of a preferred
embodiment of a round closure, closure A and closure B, and also
identifies one embodiment of an oval closure C (discussed in detail
following TABLE 1). TABLE 1 identifies various parameters and
relationships for each round closure A and B, including those
parameters and relationships discussed above, and identifies
various parameters and relationships for the oval closure C as
discussed in detail following TABLE 1. In TABLE 1, the numbers in
column A (for closure A), column B (for closure B), and in column C
(for oval closure C) are in millimeters, except for numbers in
TABLE 1 that are followed by a percent sign. Numbers followed by a
percent sign are the ratio of the parameters listed in the far
left-hand column multiplied by 100. In TABLE 1, the listed values
of the parameters are preferred values which have been found to
provide the desired operation of the closure with respect to
sealing and with respect to providing a structure with sufficient
ruggedness or robustness to accommodate manufacturing tolerances,
handling, and normal internal container pressures (including
pressures applied to the closure lid from the product in an
inverted container and/or from impacts upon the container).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 C Parameters A B Major Axis Minor Axis
H.sub.1 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.30 H.sub.2 0.80 0.80 0.79 0.79 L.sub.1
1.30 1.69 1.30 1.30 D.sub.3 57.70 74.02 80.62 48.87 S 1.50 1.44
0.48 0.48 S/D.sub.3 2.60% 1.95% 0.60% 0.98% D.sub.4 57.28 73.60
80.21 48.46 (D.sub.3 - D.sub.4)/2 0.21 0.21 0.205 0.205 (D.sub.3 -
D.sub.4)/D.sub.3 0.73% 0.57% 0.51% 0.84% D.sub.1 62.55 79.78 86.36
54.61 D2 61.00 78.24 83.82 52.07 D.sub.2/D.sub.4 1.065 1.063 1.045
1.074 L.sub.2 = (D.sub.2 - D.sub.4)/2 1.86 2.32 1.805 1.805
L.sub.2/D.sub.3 3.22% 3.13% 2.24% 3.69% L.sub.2/D.sub.2 3.05% 2.97%
2.15% 3.47% L.sub.2/D.sub.3 3.22% 3.13% 2.24% 3.69% T.sub.2 0.21
0.30 0.31 0.31 T.sub.2/D.sub.3 0.36% 0.41% 0.38% 0.63% T.sub.1 0.50
0.50 0.51 0.51 R.sub.1 1.21 1.77 1.27 1.27 R.sub.2 1.21 1.77 1.22
1.22 R.sub.1/D.sub.3 2.10% 2.39% 1.51% 2.50% H.sub.3 0.165 1.196
0.30 0.30 H.sub.3/D.sub.4 029% 0.27% 0.37% 0.62% H.sub.3/L.sub.2
0.089 0.085 0.166 0.166
[0099] A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 9-15 wherein an elliptical or oval closure 30A is shown.
As can be seen in FIG. 14, the closure 30A includes a peripheral
wall, base or body 32A for extending from a container (not shown)
around an opening to the container interior and through which the
product can be removed in a discharge direction that is
perpendicular to the opening. The closure 30A also includes a lid
34A which is movable between (1) a closed position occluding the
opening, and (2) a fully open position exposing the opening. In the
preferred form of the second embodiment of the invention
illustrated in FIGS. 9-15, the lid 34A is connected to the
peripheral wall 32A by means of a floppy hinge 36A. The hinge 36A
could be omitted altogether. Alternatively, the hinge 36A could be
another type of hinge, such as a snap-action hinge.
[0100] The peripheral wall 32A includes a base flange 41A which
extends laterally outwardly and which is adapted to be sealed to
the wall of a container defining a discharge opening around which
the flange 41A is mounted. The container could be generally rigid
or flexible. The second embodiment of the closure 30A is especially
suitable for use on a flexible container. The flexible container
may be any suitable flexible container, including, but not limited
to, a pouch-type container made from a thin, flexible,
thermoplastic film. The flange 41A can be heat-sealed or secured
with adhesive to the wall of the container. Other attachment
systems may be employed, including purely mechanical attachment
systems.
[0101] In the preferred form of the second embodiment 30A
illustrated in FIG. 14, the peripheral wall 32A is initially molded
first, and then the closure lid 34A is bi-injection molded to the
peripheral wall 32A. Preferably, if the closure 30A includes a
floppy-type hinge 36A illustrated in FIG. 14, a lower portion of
the hinge 36A is initially molded as a unitary extension of the
peripheral wall 32A, and an upper part of the hinge is molded as a
unitary extension of the lid 34A. The two hinge extensions are
connected together outwardly of the hinge fold line when the lid
34A is bi-injection molded onto the peripheral wall 32A.
[0102] As can be seen in FIG. 12, the lid 34A preferably includes a
downwardly extending latch tab 37A for being received in a snap-fit
type engaging slot 39A in the peripheral wall 32A. The snap-fit
engagement can be overcome when sufficient force is applied by the
user's finger or thumb to the lid 34A in an upward direction to
lift the lid 34A away from the peripheral wall 32A.
[0103] As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 14, the peripheral wall 32A
includes a sealing member 60A. In cross section, the undeformed,
as-molded configuration of the sealing member 60A and of the lid
flange 100A is identical with the configuration of the sealing
member 60 and lid flange 100, respectively, as described above in
detail for the first embodiment of the closure illustrated in FIGS.
1-8.
[0104] In the second embodiment closure, the lid 34A includes an
outwardly projecting flange 100A. The flange 100A is adapted to be
sealed by the sealing member 60A when the lid 34A is closed on the
peripheral wall 32A as illustrated in FIG. 13. The sealing member
60A includes a sealing surface 74A that has an overall oval
configuration and that is flat as viewed in cross section in FIG.
13 so that it is generally parallel to the product discharge
direction. The surface 74A is adapted for sealing against a
peripheral sealable surface 102A on the exterior of the lid flange
100A.
[0105] In this second embodiment of the closure 34A illustrated in
FIGS. 9-15, the sealing member 60A has an oval configuration, and
the lid sealable flange 100A has a cooperating oval configuration.
The major axis of the oval configuration of a particular feature of
the closure 30A may be characterized as the "largest lateral
dimension" of that particular feature. The various lateral
dimensions of the features of the closure sealing member 60A and
lid flange 100A may be conveniently designated by the same
dimensional signifiers used for illustrating the first embodiment
of the closure 30 in FIGS. 3 and 7. That is, the various dimensions
such as D.sub.1, D.sub.2, D.sub.3, D.sub.4, L.sub.1, L.sub.2,
H.sub.1, H.sub.2, H.sub.3, T.sub.1, T.sub.2, etc. in the first
embodiment apply also to the configuration of the oval closure
illustrated in FIGS. 9-15. To the extent that the oval closure
features have a major and minor axis, such major and minor axes are
listed in TABLE 1 in column C for the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 9-15. The values listed in the "Major Axis" column and "Minor
Axis" under heading C in TABLE 1 are preferred values which have
been found to provide the desired operation of the closure with
respect to sealing and with respect to providing a structure with
sufficient ruggedness or robustness to accommodate manufacturing
tolerances, handling, and normal internal container pressures
(including pressures applied to the closure lid from the product in
an inverted container and/or from impacts upon the container).
[0106] With respect to either the round, first embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 or the oval, second embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 1-15, it has been found that the top arcuate surface 71,
71A, and bottom arcuate surface 72, 72A, function to facilitate the
closing and opening engagement of the closure lid sealable flange
100, 100A with the peripheral wall sealing member 60, 60A, and that
these arcuate surfaces 71, 71A, 72, 72A further eliminate sharp
corner edges that a user might find objectionable when contacted by
the user's fingers.
[0107] Also, with respect to all of the embodiments, the
configuration and size relationships of the cooperating structures
contribute to providing an arrangement in which the lid sealable
flange 100, 100A is properly guided during closing of the lid 34,
34A so as to facilitate proper closing and sealing, especially for
"wide mouth" sizes (e.g., 40 mm. or greater). The arrangement also
is sufficiently robust to accommodate some warpage or other
distortion--as well as normal handling during manufacturing,
shipping and use--without deleterious effects on the sealing
capability.
[0108] It will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed
description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof
that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or
principles of this invention.
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