U.S. patent application number 12/062751 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-23 for one piece dispensing component.
Invention is credited to Christopher Miles Miller, Ping Wang.
Application Number | 20080257909 12/062751 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39758841 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080257909 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Ping ; et al. |
October 23, 2008 |
One Piece Dispensing Component
Abstract
A one piece dispensing component that includes a flip cap and a
body, wherein the flip cap is connected to the body with a hinge.
The body includes a shoulder permanently connecting the body to a
container and a nozzle connected to the shoulder. A one piece
dispensing component comprising a body, a flip cap, and a hinge.
The body including a nozzle and a shoulder connected to a product
container, wherein a longitudinal axis of the nozzle is offset from
a longitudinal axis of the body. A process of manufacturing a one
piece dispensing package that includes the steps of producing a one
piece dispensing component, producing non-injection-molded tube
having an open end and a closed end opposite the open end, and
permanently connecting the one piece dispensing component to the
open end of the tube. The one piece dispensing component includes a
shoulder, a nozzle, a flip cap, and a hinge attaching the flip cap
to the nozzle.
Inventors: |
Wang; Ping; (Beijing,
CN) ; Miller; Christopher Miles; (Hamiton,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
39758841 |
Appl. No.: |
12/062751 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60922195 |
Apr 5, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/92 ; 222/107;
222/556; 29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 45/0081 20130101;
B29C 65/48 20130101; B29L 2023/20 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
B65D 35/42 20130101; B29C 49/06 20130101; B29C 66/5344 20130101;
B65D 35/10 20130101; B29C 2791/001 20130101; B29C 65/08 20130101;
B29L 2031/565 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/92 ; 222/556;
29/428; 222/107 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/00 20060101
B65D035/00; B65D 47/00 20060101 B65D047/00 |
Claims
1. A one piece dispensing component comprising: a flip cap; and a
body comprising a shoulder permanently connecting the body to a
container, and a nozzle connected to the shoulder; wherein the flip
cap is connected to the body with a hinge.
2. The one piece dispensing component of claim 1, wherein the hinge
connects the flip cap to the nozzle of the body.
3. The one piece dispensing component of claim 1, wherein a
diameter (a) of the flip cap is substantially the same as a
diameter (b) of the nozzle.
4. The one piece dispensing component of claim 1, wherein a
diameter (a) of the flip cap is less than a diameter (c) of the
shoulder.
5. The one piece dispensing component of claim 1, wherein the flip
cap, hinge, nozzle, and shoulder are manufactured as an integral
unit, and wherein the container is manufactured separate from the
integral unit and then permanently connected to the integral
unit.
6. The one piece dispensing component of claim 1, wherein the one
piece dispensing component is not removable from the container
under normal use.
7. The one piece dispensing component of claim 1, wherein the
container comprises a metalized substrate.
8. The one piece dispensing component of claim 1, wherein the
container comprises a package selected from the group consisting of
a tube, stand up tube, stand up container, pump container, flexible
tube, and flexible container.
9. The one piece dispensing component of claim 1, wherein the one
piece dispensing nozzle has a component longitudinal axis and the
nozzle has a nozzle longitudinal axis, and wherein the nozzle
longitudinal axis is offset from the component longitudinal
axis.
10. The one piece dispensing component of claim 9, wherein the
offset of the nozzle longitudinal axis from the component
longitudinal axis is at least about 0.5 mm.
11. The one piece dispensing component of claim 9, wherein the
offset of the nozzle longitudinal axis from the component
longitudinal axis if from about 7 mm to about 15 mm.
12. The one piece dispensing component of claim 1, wherein the flip
cap and body are comprised of plastic.
13. The one piece dispensing component of claim 12, wherein the
flip cap and body are comprised of a single plastic.
14. The one piece dispensing component of claim 12, wherein the
flip cap and body comprise a material selected from the group
consisting of: polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, EVOH, EVA, EAA,
EMA, thermoplastic elastomer, TPU, PVDC, PVC, Styrene-Butadiene
Copolymer, and polyester.
15. The one piece dispensing component of claim 12, wherein the
flip cap and nozzle are comprised of a first plastic and the hinge
is comprised of a second plastic different from the first
plastic.
16. A one piece dispensing component comprising: a body comprising
a nozzle, and a shoulder connected to a product container, wherein
a longitudinal axis of the nozzle is offset from a longitudinal
axis of the body; a flip cap; and a hinge connecting the flip cap
to the body.
17. A product dispensing package comprising: a non-injection molded
container for holding a product and having an open end; and a one
piece dispensing component comprising a shoulder, a nozzle
connected to the shoulder and having an orifice, a flip cap
operable to close the orifice, and a hinge connecting the flip cap
to the nozzle; wherein the shoulder is permanently connected to the
open end of the container such that the orifice is in fluid
communication with the open end.
18. The one piece product dispensing package of claim 17, wherein
the nozzle comprises an attachment device to removably attach the
flip cap over the orifice of the nozzle.
19. The one piece product dispensing package of claim 18, wherein
the attachment device selected from the group consisting of:
snap-fit, annual ring snap geometry, interference fit, and
interfering geometry.
20. A process of manufacturing a one piece dispensing package,
comprising: producing a one piece dispensing component comprising a
shoulder, a nozzle, a flip cap, and a hinge attaching the flip cap
to the nozzle; producing non-injection-molded tube having an open
end and a closed end opposite the open end; permanently connecting
the one piece dispensing component to the open end of the tube.
21. The process of claim 20, wherein the tube comprise a metalized
substrate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/922,195, filed Apr. 5, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a one piece dispensing
component. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
one piece dispensing component that includes a body and a flip cap
attached to the body with a hinge, wherein the one piece dispensing
component is permanently connected to a container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The consumer products industry is a multi-billion dollar
industry. Consumer product packaging and dispensers is one piece to
this large industry. Such packages and/or dispensers are designed
to hold and/or dispense the consumer product contained within the
package and/or dispenser. There are a variety of consumer product
packaging and dispensers commercially available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to a one piece dispensing
component and/or package. One embodiment of the present invention
is a one piece dispensing component comprising a flip cap and a
body, wherein the body includes a shoulder permanently connecting
the body to a container and a nozzle connected to the shoulder. The
flip cap is connected to the body with a hinge.
[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention is a one piece
dispensing component comprising a body, a flip cap, and a hinge.
The body including a nozzle and a shoulder connected to a product
container, wherein a longitudinal axis of the nozzle is offset from
a longitudinal axis of the body.
[0006] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a product
dispensing package comprising a non-injection molded container for
holding a product and having an open end and a one piece dispensing
component. The one piece dispensing component includes a shoulder,
a nozzle connected to the shoulder and having an orifice, a flip
cap operable to close the orifice, and a hinge connecting the flip
cap to the nozzle. The shoulder permanently connecting the one
piece dispensing component to the open end of the container such
that the orifice is in fluid communication with the open end.
[0007] Still yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is a process of manufacturing a one piece dispensing
package that includes the steps of producing a one piece dispensing
component, producing non-injection-molded tube having an open end
and a closed end opposite the open end, and permanently connecting
the one piece dispensing component to the open end of the tube. The
one piece dispensing component includes a shoulder, a nozzle, a
flip cap, and a hinge attaching the flip cap to the nozzle.
[0008] Embodiments are described in further detail herein, and
these and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become evident to those skilled in the art from a
reading of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed
the same will be better understood from the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematical perspective view of an exemplary one
piece dispensing component according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along 1-1 of the
exemplary one piece dispensing component according to FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to FIG. 9;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the exemplary one
piece dispensing component according to FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a back side elevational view of the exemplary one
piece dispensing component according to FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to FIG. 13;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the exemplary one
piece dispensing component according to FIG. 13; and
[0025] FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary one piece
dispensing component according to FIG. 13.
[0026] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined
by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and
the invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of
the detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The following text sets forth a broad description of
numerous different embodiments of the present invention. The
description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not
describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible
embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible, and it will be
understood that any feature, characteristic, component,
composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described
herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole
or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition,
ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous
alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current
technology or technology developed after the filing date of this
patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.
While the specification concludes with claims that particularly
point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the
present invention will be better understood from the following
description.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary embodiment of a product
dispensing package 10 and a one piece dispensing component 30 of
the present invention is shown. Product dispensing package 10
generally includes a container 20 for holding a product 50 and one
piece dispensing component 30 connected to container 20. Container
20 may include, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, a side wall
22 encompassing a product reservoir 24, an open end 26, and a
closed end 28 to form a tube-shaped, open-ended container.
[0029] In the exemplary embodiment, side wall 22 is fabricated from
a flexible substrate, thus making container 20 flexible. The
substrate of side wall 22 may include a metalized substrate such as
a foil layer to provide oxygen and vapor barrier characteristics.
`Metalized substrate`, as used herein, is defined as a substrate
comprising at least a thin metal layer such as, for example, a foil
layer. Exemplary metals that may be used in the metal layer may
include, but not be limited to, aluminum, lead, tin and any
combinations thereof. The `metalized substrate` and/or side wall 22
may further comprise additional materials to be combined with the
metal layer such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), nylon,
Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA),
Ethylene Acrylic Acid (EAA), Ethylene Methyl acrylate (EMA),
thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., SEBS, EP rubber, etc.),
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), polyvinylchloride (PVC),
polyvinyl dichloride (PVDC), Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer, polyester
(e.g., Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), PolyButylene Terephthalate
(PBT), etc.), copolymers of the same, combinations thereof, or any
other container materials as known to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0030] Container 20 may be fabricated using a variety of molding
processes as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In one
exemplary embodiment, container 20 is fabricated using a
non-injection molding process. As used herein, a `non-injection
molded` or `non-injection molding` is defined as any molding
process to fabricate components, but a strict injection molding
process. For example, injection blow molding, compression molding,
and blow molding processes are all, for the purposes of this
invention, considered non-injection molding processes, as defined
herein. To form closed end 28 of container 20, an end 27 of
sidewall 22 may be overlapped upon itself and then heat-sealed or
glued to oneself as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. It
is understood that other methods as known to one of ordinary skill
in the art to close and/or seam closed end 28 may be used with the
present invention. However, it is understood that container 20 may
comprise any type of conventional container shape and
configuration, including but not limited to a stand-up tube,
stand-up container, pump container, squeeze container, and any
other container known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0031] One piece dispensing component 30 includes a body generally
shown as 32 and a flip cap 38. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, body 32 may
include a shoulder generally shown as 34, a nozzle 36 connected to
shoulder 34, an orifice 37 disposed at a distal end 41 of nozzle
36, and a hinge 39 connecting flip cap 38 to nozzle 36. Shoulder 34
may further comprise a side wall 31, a top wall 33, and an angled
wall 35 connecting side wall 31 and top wall 33. It is understood
that shoulder 34 may comprise a variety of shapes and
configurations as known to one of ordinary skill in the art,
including but not limited to a smooth or continuous curvature
defining shoulder 34.
[0032] As used herein, `one piece component` is defined as a
single, molded unit, wherein none of the components are separable,
particularly under normal use conditions. As such, one piece
dispensing component 30, which includes flip cap 38 and body 32,
i.e., flip cap 38, nozzle 36, orifice 37, hinge 39, top wall 33,
angled wall 35, and side wall 31, are all molded as one single,
integral component that is non-separable under normal use
conditions. It has been discovered that the one piece flip cap and
body of the present invention saves manufacturing time, money, and
material over prior art flip cap closures that had to be
threadingly connected to a nozzle of a container.
[0033] One piece dispensing component 30 may be fabricated from a
variety of plastic and/or polymeric materials. Exemplary materials
that may be used to fabricate dispensing component 30 include, but
are not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, EVOH, EVA,
EAA, EMA, thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., SEBS, EP rubber, etc.),
TPU, PVDC, PVC, Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer, polyester (e.g., PET,
PBT, etc.), or any other conventional materials known to one of
ordinary skill in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, dispensing
component 30 is molded from a single polymer or blended polymers.
Alternatively, multiple materials and/or polymers may be used in
the fabrication of the one piece dispensing component 30.
[0034] One piece dispensing component 30 may be fabricated using an
injection molding or a compression molding process. The process of
injection molding requires filling a part cavity with molten
plastic using pressure generated via the injection molding machine.
Once filled, the cavity remains closed so the molten plastic can
begin cooling and solidifying. After cooling for a period of time,
usually a few seconds, the mold is opened and the cooled part,
i.e., dispensing component 30, is ejected from the mold. With
compression molding, a `slug` of plastic of a predetermined gram
weight is placed in the mold cavity. Two halves of a mold are
brought together and squeeze the slug of plastic, forcing it to
flow through the cavity and creating the finished dispensing
component 30. Once finished, dispensing component 30 is either
ejected or manually removed from the compression tool. The present
invention permits the manufacture of a flip cap closure for a
product dispenser to only require one mold, to use less material,
and to require less than time compared to conventional flip cap
dispensers.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, flip cap 38 of the exemplary embodiment
has a diameter (a) that is substantially the same as a diameter (b)
of nozzle 36. In other words, flip cap 38 is substantially the same
size as nozzle 36. As also shown, diameter (a) of flip cap 38 is
less than a diameter (c) of shoulder 34. Additionally, in the
exemplary embodiment, diameter (a) of flip cap 38 may substantially
less than diameter (c) of shoulder 34, yet diameter (a) is of
sufficient size that flip cap 38 may still cover and/or close
orifice 37.
[0036] Distal end 41 of nozzle 36 and an inside surface 44 of flip
cap 38 may include respective snap on mechanisms, snap fit geometry
(e.g., annular ring snap geometry), interference fit mechanisms,
interfering geometry, notches, and/or protrusions as known to one
of ordinary skill in the art that permit flip cap 38 to be
releasably attached onto distal end 41 in order to cover and/or
close orifice 37. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4,
an annular ring snap bead 40 extends radially outward from distal
end 41. Flip cap 38 has an interference channel 42 disposed on
inside surface 44 of the flip cap. When the flip cap is moved to
close orifice 37, it is flipped over and on top of distal end 41
such that bead 40 engages interference channel 42 in an
interference fit relationship, i.e., bead 39 is `snapped` into
channel 42. It is understood that other conventional connection
devices may be used to releasably connect or attach flip cap over
orifice 37 and nozzle 36 as known to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0037] Hinge 39 may comprise a flexible hinge, wherein the hinge is
fabricated from a thin flexible piece of plastic material that is
integral to and connected to both flip cap 38 and nozzle 36 as
known to one of ordinary skill in the art. As set forth above,
hinge 39 may be fabricated from the same material as used in the
entire one piece dispensing component 30. Alternatively, hinge 39
may be fabricated from a one material such as, for example,
polypropylene that is different from a second material such as, for
example, polyethylene that may be used to fabricate the remainder
of dispensing component 30, using either a two shot injection
molding process or an over molding process. In an alternative
embodiment, hinge 39 may comprise other conventional hinge strap
designs such as, for example, hinge straps that are bi-stable in
function or a single strap "butterfly" hinge design as known to one
of ordinary skill in the art and described below herein.
[0038] One piece dispensing component 30 is permanently connected
to container 20 at open end 26. As used herein, `permanently
connected` is defined as a connection between two components that
is not designed to be separated or disconnected under normal use
conditions. For example, a threaded connection between two
components would not be a permanent connection as defined and used
herein. To permanently connect dispensing component 30 to container
20, side wall 22 may be sonic welded, glued, adhered, press sealed,
Over molding, Insert molding, and Bi-product injection molding to
side wall 31. When dispensing component 30 is connected to
container 20, orifice 37 is placed in fluid communication with
reservoir 24 of container 20 such that product 50 may be dispensed
from the reservoir through orifice 37.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, another exemplary embodiment of a
one piece dispensing component 130 of the present invention is
shown. Although not shown, it is understood that one piece
dispensing component 130 may be connected to a variety of
containers as known to one of ordinary skill in the art, including
but not limited to any of the exemplary containers set forth
herein. For example, dispenser component 130 may be connected to
open end 26 of container 20 as described above and shown in FIGS.
1-4 such that product 50 may be dispensed from reservoir 24 and
through and out of dispensing component 130.
[0040] One piece dispensing component 130 includes a body generally
shown as 132 and a flip cap 138. As shown in FIGS. 5-8, body 132
may include a shoulder generally shown as 134, a nozzle 136
connected to shoulder 134, an orifice 137 disposed at a distal end
141 of nozzle 136, and a hinge 145 connecting flip cap 138 to
nozzle 136. Shoulder 134 may further comprise a lower side wall 131
disposed at an end of component 130 opposite nozzle 136, a top wall
133, and a curved wall connecting side wall 131 to top wall 133.
Body 132 had a longitudinal axis A'-A, and as shown, both shoulder
134 and nozzle 136 are coaxially aligned about axis A'-A. One piece
dispensing component 130 may also be fabricated using a variety of
materials (e.g., polymeric materials), singularly or in
combination, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art and as
set forth above herein with reference to one piece dispensing
component 30. The present invention also permits one mold to be
used to form the dispensing component 130. It is understood that
shoulder 134 may comprise a variety of shapes and configurations as
known to one of ordinary skill in the art, including but not
limited to angular, discontinuous, and other geometric forms.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, flip cap 138 of the exemplary embodiment
has a diameter (a) that is substantially the same as a diameter (b)
of nozzle 136. In other words, flip cap 138 is substantially the
same size as nozzle 136. As also shown, diameter (a) of flip cap
138 is less than a diameter (c) of shoulder 134. Additionally, in
the exemplary embodiment, diameter (a) of flip cap 138 may
substantially less than diameter (c) of shoulder 134, yet diameter
(a) is of sufficient size that flip cap 138 may still cover and/or
close orifice 137.
[0042] Distal end 141 of nozzle 136 includes an annular ring snap
bead 140 that extends radially outward from distal end 141. Flip
cap 138 has an interference channel 142 disposed on inside surface
144 of the flip cap. When the flip cap is moved to close orifice
137, it is flipped over and on top of distal end 141 such that bead
140 engages interference channel 142 in an interference fit, i.e.,
bead 140 is `snapped` into channel 142. The flip cap and the nozzle
may include variety of conventional mechanisms as known to one of
ordinary skill in the art to permit flip cap 138 to releasably
attach to and close nozzle 136 and orifice 137 including those set
forth above with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-4.
[0043] Hinge 145 may include a hinge strap design, which comprises
two outer hinge straps 146 and a center hinge 148 that hingedly
connect flip cap 138 to nozzle 136 as known to one of ordinary
skill in the art. Hinge 145 includes a bi-stable function. By
design, the hinge straps that are bi-stable in function tend to
snap flip cap 138 to either an open or closed position. When
snapped to the open position, hinge straps 146 of this embodiment
keep flip cap 138 out of the line of site and out of the way of any
product being dispensed from the nozzle. When snapped to the closed
position, hinge straps 146 make closing the flip cap easier because
the hinge straps snap flip cap 138 into a position directly over
nozzle 136 and/or orifice 137. In such a hinge strap design, outer
straps 146 function as the pivot point and center hinge 148 creates
and provides the bi-stable characteristic.
[0044] The bi-stable characteristic is achieved by controlling the
length of center strap(s) 148 relative to hinge pivot point. The
center strap(s), being slightly shorter than overall hinge length,
passes through a point of tension during opening and closing of
flip cap 138. As used herein, the overall hinge length is the
linear distance between the hinge's attachment to the Cap and the
hinge's attachment to the Nozzle. The hinge pivot point, as used
herein, is a point equal distance from the center of flip cap 138
to center of nozzle 136. When center strap(s) 148 passes through
the point of tension, it creates a `snap to position`, or bi-stable
effect, at each end of the opening and closing motion of flip cap
138. Such a hinge strap design is known to one of ordinary skill in
the art. As set forth above, hinge 145 may be fabricated from
either the same material as the remainder of dispensing component
130 or a second material different from the material used to
fabricate the remainder of component 130, using a two shot
injection molding process or an over molding process as known to
one of ordinary skill in the art. While this alternative embodiment
includes 3 straps, the same function can be achieved using either
two straps without a center hinge (e.g., without center hinge 148)
or a hinge with a conventional single strap "butterfly" hinge
design as also known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, another exemplary embodiment of a
one piece dispensing component 230 of the present invention is
shown. Although not shown, it is understood that one piece
dispensing component 230 may be connected to a variety of
containers as known to one of ordinary skill in the art, including
but not limited to any of the exemplary containers set forth
herein. For example, dispenser component 230 may be connected to
open end 26 of container 20 as described above and shown in FIGS.
1-4 such that product 50 may be dispensed from reservoir 24 and
through and out of dispensing component 230.
[0046] One piece dispensing component 230 includes a body generally
shown as 232 and a flip cap 238. As shown in FIGS. 9-12, body 232
may include a shoulder generally shown as 234, a nozzle 236
connected to shoulder 234, an orifice 237 disposed at a distal end
241 of nozzle 236, and a hinge 245 connecting flip cap 238 to
nozzle 236. Shoulder 234 may further comprise a lower side wall 231
disposed at an end of component 230 opposite nozzle 236, and a
curved top wall 233 and a substantially vertical wall 229
connecting the side wall 231 to the nozzle. Curved top wall 233
comprises a smooth and/or continuous curve-shape. Body 232 has a
longitudinal axis B'-B and nozzle 236 has a longitudinal axis A'-A
separate from longitudinal axis B'-B that is offset a distance (X)
from the body's longitudinal axis B'-B. Offset distance (X) may be
greater than about 0.5 mm. In one exemplary embodiment, offset
distance (X) is from about 7 mm to about 15 mm. Due to nozzle
longitudinal axis A'-A being offset a distance (X) from body
longitudinal axis B'-B, shoulder 234, and particularly top wall 233
has an asymmetrical shape about longitudinal axis B'-B as shown in
FIGS. 9-12. It is understood that shoulder 234 may comprise a
variety of shapes and configurations as known to one of ordinary
skill in the art, including but not limited to angular,
discontinuous, and other geometric forms.
[0047] One piece dispensing component 230 may also be fabricated
using a variety of materials (e.g., polymeric materials),
singularly or in combination, as known to one of ordinary skill in
the art and as set forth above herein with reference to one piece
dispensing component 30. The present invention also permits one
mold to be used to form the dispensing component 230. This offset
nozzle design of the present invention permits the mold to be
pulled straight apart when removing the mold from the dispensing
component 230, which simplifies and eases the removal of the
component from the mold. In comparison, a coaxially nozzle
dispensing component design such as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the mold
must be slid to the side when opening the mold and then pulled up
and away from the dispensing component 30, making the removal of
the component from the mold much more difficult and cumbersome. As
can be seen, the offset nozzle configuration of this exemplary
embodiment provides a design that simplifies and improves the
efficiency of the removal of the component from the mold.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 10, flip cap 238 of the exemplary
embodiment has a diameter (a) that is substantially the same as a
diameter (b) of nozzle 136. In other words, flip cap 238 is
substantially the same size as nozzle 236. As also shown, diameter
(a) of flip cap 238 is less than a diameter (c) of shoulder 234.
Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, diameter (a) of flip cap
238 may substantially less than diameter (c) of shoulder 234, yet
diameter (a) is of sufficient size that flip cap 238 may still
cover and/or close orifice 237.
[0049] Distal end 241 of nozzle 236 includes an annular ring snap
bead 240 that extends radially outward from distal end 241. Flip
cap 238 has an interference channel 242 disposed on inside surface
244 of the flip cap. When the flip cap is moved to close orifice
237, it is flipped over and on top of distal end 241 such that bead
240 engages interference channel 242 in an interference fit, i.e.,
bead 240 is `snapped` into channel 242. The flip cap and the nozzle
may include variety of conventional mechanisms as known to one of
ordinary skill in the art to permit flip cap 238 to releasably
attach to and close nozzle 236 and orifice 237 including those set
forth above with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-8.
[0050] Hinge 245 may include a hinge strap design, which comprises
two outer hinge straps 146 and a center hinge 248 that hingedly
connect flip cap 238 to nozzle 236 as known to one of ordinary
skill in the art. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-12,
flip cap 238 and hinge 245 are disposed and connected to nozzle 236
on the same side as curved top wall 233, which is opposite
substantially vertical wall 229. In an alternative embodiment shown
in FIGS. 13-16, dispensing component 230 includes flip cap 238 and
hinge 245 disposed and connected to nozzle 236 on the same side as
substantially vertical wall 229, opposite curved top wall 233.
Other than this difference in positioning of flip cap 238 and hinge
245, the dispensing component in the alternative embodiment of
FIGS. 13-16 is the same as the exemplary embodiment in FIGS.
9-12.
[0051] Referring back to FIGS. 9-12, hinge 245 includes a bi-stable
function as set forth above herein. In such a hinge strap design,
hinge 245 includes two outer straps 246 that function as the pivot
point and a center hinge 248 creating the bi-stable characteristic
as described above herein. It is understood that hinge 245 may
comprise other conventional hinge designs such as, for example, a
single strap hinge, a single strap "butterfly" hinge, or two hinge
straps without a center hinge as known to one of ordinary skill in
the art. Hinge 245 may be fabricated from either the same material
as the remainder of dispensing component 230 or a second material
different from the material used to fabricate the remainder of
component 230, using a two shot injection molding process or an
over molding process as known to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0052] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0053] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0054] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *