U.S. patent application number 12/299903 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for container and closure combinations.
This patent application is currently assigned to Glud & Marstrand A/S. Invention is credited to Mazyar Abolfazlian.
Application Number | 20110180538 12/299903 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38255475 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110180538 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abolfazlian; Mazyar |
July 28, 2011 |
CONTAINER AND CLOSURE COMBINATIONS
Abstract
The present invention relates to a container (3) and closure
combination, a container and closure part (2) thereof comprising a
base portion and a wall portion (4), the combination also
comprising a connecting portion for connecting the parts having an
outer dimension smaller than the outer dimension of the wall
portions of the parts, to provide a recess sized to substantially
accommodate the wall portions (4,6), which wall portions varies in
height along their peripheries, whereby the container and closure
combination is adapted to achieve a substantially flush outer
surface of the container and the closure when closed.
Inventors: |
Abolfazlian; Mazyar; (Aarhus
C, DK) |
Assignee: |
Glud & Marstrand A/S
Losning
DK
|
Family ID: |
38255475 |
Appl. No.: |
12/299903 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
May 10, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DK2007/050056 |
371 Date: |
June 11, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/288 ;
220/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00537
20130101; B65D 2543/00222 20130101; B65D 2543/00907 20130101; B65D
2543/00092 20130101; B65D 43/0222 20130101; B65D 2543/00296
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/288 ;
220/200 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 10, 2006 |
DK |
PA2006 00662 |
Claims
1. A container and closure combination, a container and closure
part thereof comprising a base portion and a wall portion, the
combination also comprising a connection portion for connecting
said parts having an outer dimension smaller than the outer
dimension of the wall portions of the parts, to provide a recess
sized to substantially accommodate said wall portions, the wall
portions varying in height along their peripheries, wherein said
container and closure combination is adapted to achieve a
substantially flush outer surface of the container and the closure
when combined.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the connecting
portion is a neck portion on one of the parts surrounding a
substantially circular opening, the neck portion made integral
with, and having an outer dimension smaller than the outer
dimension of the wall portion, to provide a recess sized to
substantially accommodate the wall portion of the other part, said
neck portion varying in height along the periphery of the part, and
the wall portion of the other part varying correspondingly in
height along its periphery, wherein said combination is adapted to
achieve a substantially flush outer surface of the container and
the closure when combined.
21. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the connecting
portion is an intermediate element surrounding a substantially
circular opening.
22. A combination according to claim 21, wherein the intermediate
element is a ring-shaped member.
23. A combination according to claim 22, wherein one or more areas
on the peripheral outer surface of the intermediate element is/are
provided with one or more protrusions adapted to engage in an
interference fit with an inner, peripheral surface of the wall
and/or neck portion on one or both of the container and closure
parts.
24. A combination according to claim 21, wherein the intermediate
element is a circular cup-shaped member.
25. A combination according to claim 24, wherein one or more areas
on the peripheral outer surface of the intermediate element is/are
provided with one or more protrusions adapted to engage in an
interference fit with an inner, peripheral surface of the wall
and/or neck portion on one or both of the container and closure
parts.
26. A combination according to claim 23, wherein the one or more
protrusions adapted to engage with the closure part of the
combination is/are substantially drop-shaped.
27. A combination according to claim 25, wherein the one or more
protrusions adapted to engage with the closure part of the
combination is/are substantially drop-shaped.
28. A combination according to claim 26, wherein the radial extent
of said one or more drop-shaped protrusions, with respect to the
peripheral outer surface of the intermediate element, increases
with the width of the drop-shaped protrusion.
29. A combination according to claim 27, wherein the radial extent
of said one or more drop-shaped protrusions, with respect to the
peripheral outer surface of the intermediate element, increases
with the width of the drop-shaped protrusion.
30. A combination according to claim 22, wherein the peripheral
outer surface of the intermediate element further comprises a
circumventing collar following the height variation of the neck
and/or wall portion(s).
31. A combination according to claim 24, wherein the peripheral
outer surface of the intermediate element further comprises a
circumventing collar following the height variation of the neck
and/or wall portion(s).
32. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the height
variation of said neck and/or wall portions of the combination is
so adapted that the parts are complementary to each other when
combined.
33. A combination according to claim 20, wherein the height
variation of said neck and/or wall portions of the combination is
so adapted that the parts are complementary to each other when
combined.
34. A combination according to claim 32, wherein the height
variation describes a curve.
35. A combination according to claim 34, wherein the described
curve is a sinusoid.
36. A combination according to claim 33, wherein the height
variation describes a curve.
37. A combination according to claim 36, wherein the described
curve is a sinusoid.
38. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the wall portions
and/or the neck portion is/are provided with an inwardly curled
portion.
39. A combination according to claim 20, wherein the wall portions
and/or the neck portion is/are provided with an inwardly curled
portion.
40. A combination according to claim 38, wherein the wall and/or
the neck portion(s) or the inwardly curled portion thereof
comprise(s) engagement means.
41. A combination according to claim 39, wherein the wall and/or
the neck portion(s) or the inwardly curled portion thereof
comprise(s) engagement means.
42. A combination according to claim 40, wherein the means for
engaging comprise threading means.
43. A combination according to claim 41, wherein the means for
engaging comprise threading means.
44. A combination according to claim 42, wherein the threading
means comprise one or more threads distributed along the outer
periphery of said wall and/or neck portion(s) of the container part
and/or distributed along the inner periphery of said wall and/or
neck portion(s) of the closure part.
45. A combination according to claim 43, wherein the threading
means comprise one or more threads distributed along the outer
periphery of said wall and/or neck portion(s) of the container part
and/or distributed along the inner periphery of said wall and/or
neck portion(s) of the closure part.
46. A combination according to claim 44, wherein the threads have a
pitch of 5-10 mm.
47. A combination according to claim 45, wherein the threads have a
pitch of 5-10 mm.
48. A container and closure combination according to claim 40,
wherein the means for engaging comprise two or more protrusions
distributed along the outer periphery of said wall and/or neck
portion(s) of the container part and/or distributed along the inner
periphery of said wall and/or neck portion(s) of the closure
part.
49. A container and closure combination according to claim 41,
wherein the means for engaging comprise two or more protrusions
distributed along the outer periphery of said wall and/or neck
portion(s) of the container part and/or distributed along the inner
periphery of said wall and/or neck portion(s) of the closure
part.
50. A container and closure combination according to claim 20,
wherein a transition between the wall portion and the neck portion
has a radius of curvature of less than 2 mm.
51. A container and closure combination according to claim 1,
further comprising a sealing arranged between the container and
closure.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to containers and closures
suitable for providing visually improved combinations thereof. The
present invention also relates to the provision of an opening
mechanism for such container and closure combinations.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is an object of the invention to provide containers and
closures therefore suitable for visually improved combinations.
Particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide container
and closure combinations, the outside surfaces of which are being
substantially flush with each other when the parts are
combined.
[0003] It is another object of the invention to provide container
and closure combinations with opening mechanisms having improved
visual appearance as well as facilitating easy opening, i.e.
parting of the closure from the container.
[0004] It is yet another object of the invention to provide
container and closure combinations comprised by identical parts
thereby improving cost efficiency.
[0005] These and several other objects of the invention will become
apparent from the following description. The above listing of
objects is thus not to be considered exhaustive nor limiting to the
scope of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Thus, the above described objects and several other objects
are intended to be obtained by the invention by providing a
container and closure combination, the container and closure part
thereof comprising a base portion and a wall portion, the
combination also comprising a connecting portion for connecting
said parts having an outer dimension smaller than the outer
dimension of the wall portions of the parts, to provide a recess
sized to substantially accommodate said wall portions, the wall
portions varying in height along their peripheries, wherein said
container and closure combination is adapted to achieve a
substantially flush outer surface of the container and the closure
when combined.
[0007] In an embodiment, the connecting portion is a neck portion
on one of the parts surrounding a substantially circular opening,
the neck portion made integral with, and having an outer dimension
smaller than the outer dimension of the wall portion, to provide a
recess sized to substantially accommodate the wall portion of the
other part, said neck portion varying in height along the periphery
of the part, and the wall portion of the other part varying
correspondingly in height along its periphery, wherein said
combination is adapted to achieve a substantially flush outer
surface of the container and the closure when combined.
[0008] In another embodiment, the connecting portion is an
intermediate element surrounding a substantially circular
opening.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, the intermediate element may be a
ring-shaped member that may engage with one or both of the
container and closure parts, e.g. by an interference fit.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the intermediate element may be a
circular cup-shaped member. By cup-shaped is meant a member having
a bottom part and a sidewall part having an extension in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom
part and preferably made integral with the bottom part. The
cup-shaped member may engage with one or both of the container and
closure parts, e.g. by an interference fit.
[0011] The cup-shaped member may in embodiments be arranged with
the bottom part thereof closest to the closure part of the
combination. In embodiments, the cup-shaped member may be provided
with one or more cut-throughs, or openings, in the bottom part. The
openings may be re-closable and/or provided with an opening and/or
locking mechanism.
[0012] The cup-shaped member may in embodiments comprise one or
more additional surface planes parallel to the bottom part and
situated in spaced apart positions along the extent of the sidewall
part so as to provide the cup-shaped member with one or more
internal compartments between the parallel surface planes. Such
additional surface planes may also comprise cut-throughs or
openings as already described with regard to the bottom part. Such
an additional surface plane may also form a "top" part and thereby
the element in practice defines a cylinder shape that may hold a
product inside such as, but not limited to, food, nutritions,
candy, tobacco, medicine or toys to which a user has access by one
or more cut-throughs or openings.
[0013] In these embodiments of the ring- and the cup-shaped member,
the outer peripheral dimension, or the outer diameter, of the
member, may preferably, but not exclusively, be of such value that
the outer peripheral surface may engage in an interference fit with
an inner, peripheral surface of the wall and/or the neck portion on
one or both of the container and closure parts. The parts can
thereby be connected more or less by simple sliding or press-fit
into to each other.
[0014] In other embodiments, one or more areas on the peripheral
outer surface of the intermediate element may be provided with one
or more protrusions adapted to engage in an interference fit with
an inner, peripheral surface of the wall and/or the neck portion on
one or both of the container and closure parts. Such protrusions
may provide an even better or firmer attachment (interference fit)
between the element and the parts, and/or provide a particular and
distinct "closing-feeling" or "closing-sound" to the user, e.g. in
order to indicate or assure to the user that the combination is
correctly and adequately re-closed (or opened) when the combination
is put together or separated. However, the interference fit may
also be provided by other suitable means enabling friction between
the parts.
[0015] In yet other embodiments, the protrusions on the peripheral
outer surface of the intermediate element adapted to engage with
the closure part of the combination may be substantially
drop-shaped.
[0016] In other embodiments the radial extent of such one or more
drop-shaped protrusions, with respect to the peripheral outer
surface of the intermediate element, increases with the width of
the drop-shaped protrusion, or at least substantially increases
therewith. The increase of the radial extension of the drop-shaped
protrusion may be of a linear or non-linear character and may be
different from protrusion to protrusion. By providing the
drop-shaped protrusions with such radial extending, the user may
preferably find it particularly easy to "click" on the closure part
of the container, as the wall and/or neck portion of the closure
part will be guided into place in its correct closing, or resting,
position on the intermediate element and the container part, and
thus fit the combination together in the intended manner.
[0017] In embodiments wherein the container part is attached to the
intermediate element by means of one or more protrusions on the
outer peripheral surface of the element, such protrusions may
comprise any suitable size and/or shape. Preferably, however, the
protrusions may be provided such that their lateral extent is
larger than their vertical extent on the peripheral outer surface
of the element.
[0018] In another embodiment, the peripheral outer surface of the
intermediate element further comprises a circumventing collar
following the height variation of the neck and/or wall portion(s).
The circumventing collar is preferably so adapted that its outer
edge will be flush with the container and closure parts when the
combination is closed. The circumventing collar may be a single,
continuous protrusion or it may be provided as two or more separate
protrusions provided end to end with each other. The circumventing
collar may be provided with one or more colours, e.g. if desired to
clearly differentiate the collar from the container and closure
parts. The circumventing collar may be provided such that it is
wholly or partly visible to the user, even when the combination is
closed. However, it may also be covered by the wall and/or neck
portion(s) of either one or both of the container and closure
parts. The collar on the intermediate part aids in maintaining the
correct positioning and secure attachment of the container and
closure parts of the combination to the intermediate element.
Particularly, but not exclusively, in the situation where the
combination is to be opened the collar will prevent unintended
movement of the container part when the container and closure parts
are turned or twisted in opposite directions for opening.
[0019] The intermediate element may further comprise means for
engaging with internal or external elements such as, but not
limited to, means that allow the combination to be presented
visually attractive to a user (buyer) e.g. as one or more eyes, or
eyelets, suitable for hanging the combination onto a shelf in a
shop.
[0020] Such means may preferably, but not exclusively, be made
integral with the intermediate element. In the embodiment wherein
the intermediate element comprises a circumventing collar the means
may be arranged in connection with the visible (outer) surface of
the collar thereby extending perpendicularly from the wall portions
of the container and closure parts. The means may further be
detachably or removably arranged so that the user may have the
option to remove such means once they are purchased. Many other
applications of such means are imaginable; the means can be
provided on the inside of the intermediate element e.g. as a
cutting edge for opening a plastic packaging around a product sold
in the combination. The means can be so arranged that they are
activated and/or engaged once the user twists open the
combination.
[0021] The material of the intermediate element may preferably, but
not exclusively, comprise a light weight metal or metal alloy, such
as aluminium, or it may preferably comprise, but not be limited to,
paper and/or cardboard and/or rubber and/or wood and/or leather
and/or silicone and/or plastic (polymer), such as PP, PA, PMMA, PC,
PELD, PEHD, PET or elastomers or polymers or rubber or any
combination thereof. If a plastic (polymer) is used the
intermediate element may preferably be injection or blow
moulded.
[0022] The intermediate element may be replaceable by a new or
another intermediate element e.g. if the intermediate element holds
one of the products indicated above. Thus, a user may keep the
container and closure part of the combination and then only need to
replace the intermediate element (re-fill) whenever needed. In
order to aid in the possible removal and/or replacing and/or
stabilizing of the intermediate element in the relevant part, it
may be provided with relevant means on or in its surfaces.
[0023] The protrusions on the intermediate element and on the
container and closure parts may preferably be of the same kind of
material as the respective parts and/or intermediate element, or
may alternatively comprise another material and may further be
fastened separately by any conventional method.
[0024] These embodiments are particularly, but not exclusively,
advantageous for obtaining a container and closure combination for
which the outside surfaces may be substantially flush with each
other when the container and closure are combined as well as
obtaining a combination wherein a customized course of the abutting
surfaces of the container and the closure with or without the
collar on the intermediate element may be provided. Combinations
provided with an intermediate element may be particularly
beneficial with regard to production costs as the element may be
used to combine two identical container and closure parts, the one
then constituting the container part together with the intermediate
element and the other being the closure part.
[0025] Furthermore, the base portion of the container as well as
the closure may preferably, but not exclusively, be concave or
convex for achieving a further visual detail and/or for achieving a
combination with an appealing touch for the user, e.g. when holding
the closed combination between the thumb and the index finger of
one hand.
[0026] In an embodiment, the height variation of said neck and/or
wall portions of the combination is so adapted that the parts are
complementary to each other when the container and closure parts
are combined.
[0027] This embodiment is particularly, but not exclusively,
advantageous for obtaining a container and closure combination for
which the outside surfaces may be substantially flush with each
other when the container and closure are combined and further for
obtaining a tight fit between the parts.
[0028] In another embodiment, the height variation of the above
described portions of the combination describes a curve. This means
that both the wall and/or neck portion(s) of the closure and
container parts and/or the collar on the intermediate element may
vary in height along said curve.
[0029] In yet another embodiment the curve described by the height
variation is a sinusoid.
[0030] These embodiments are particularly, but not exclusively,
advantageous for obtaining a container and closure combination for
which the parting of the closure from the container may be easily
performed. A counter-directed turning of a container and a closure
having portions varying in height along a sinusoid, provides a
combination that requires only little manual effort for turning the
two parts in different directions in relation to each other for
opening of the combination, while still providing a tight fit
between the parts when they are combined.
[0031] In further embodiments, the wall portions and/or the neck
portion is/are provided with an inwardly curled portion. The
inwardly curled portion may preferably, but not exclusively, be
adapted to engage with the engagement means on the peripheral,
outer surface of the intermediate element. Particularly, in
embodiments wherein the engagement means are drop-shaped
protrusions, a user may find it easy to "click" on the closure part
to the intermediate element as the inwardly curled portion
advantageously slides over the radially extending drop-shaped
protrusion until the inwardly curled portion engages therewith in
an interference fit ("snap-fit").
[0032] This is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for
obtaining a smooth and even surface of the wall portions and/or the
neck portion for the achievement of a tight and easy fit between
the parts. However, if relevant, the curled portion may in stead
curl outwards from the periphery of the container or closure
part.
[0033] In a still further embodiment, the wall and/or the neck
portions or the inwardly curled portion thereof comprises
engagement means.
[0034] In an embodiment, the means for engaging may comprise
threading means.
[0035] In embodiments, the threading means may comprise one or more
threads distributed along the outer periphery of said wall and/or
neck portion(s) of the container part and/or distributed along the
inner periphery of said wall and/or neck portion(s) of the closure
part.
[0036] In embodiments, the threading means may comprise threads
having a pitch of 5-10 mm.
[0037] In another embodiment, the means for engaging may comprise
two or more protrusions distributed along the outer periphery of
said wall and/or neck portion(s) of the container part and/or
distributed along the inner periphery of said wall and/or neck
portion(s) of the closure part.
[0038] The threading means and/or the two or more protrusions may
be provided on either the container part or on the closure part or
on both parts. However, the engaging means on either of the parts
may alternatively to the embodiments described above also or in
stead comprise a bayonet-type engagement, a snap-fit engagement or
other similar and well-known types of engagements.
[0039] These embodiments are particularly, but not exclusively,
advantageous for obtaining intuitive and simple types of
engagements while still providing a firm, even and tight fit when
combined, while still requiring only little manual effort for
turning the two parts in different directions in relation to each
other for opening of the combination.
[0040] In a further embodiment, a transition between the wall
portion and the neck portion of the container has a radius of
curvature of less than 2 mm.
[0041] This is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for
obtaining a very sharp transition, which enables the closure to
abut an outer edge of the transition with a very limited gap
between the container and closure parts.
[0042] In a further embodiment the container and closure
combination further comprises a sealing arranged between the
container and closure.
[0043] This is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for
obtaining a combination providing a substantially leek-proof and/or
odour-proof fit.
[0044] According to the invention different materials may be used
for the different parts of container and closure combinations.
These may preferably, but not exclusively, be so adapted that the
different parts are easily separable from each other if/when the
combination parts are to be disposed of. This is particularly, but
not exclusively, suitable for assuring an easy sorting of the
materials for subsequent recycling purposes. This may be
environmentally advantageous, especially when the combination is
intended as a disposable packaging, e.g. if used for food stuffs or
other perishable goods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0045] The container and closure combinations according to the
invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the
accompanying figures. The figures show examples of implementing the
present invention and are not to be construed as limiting to other
possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim
set.
[0046] FIG. 1a is a schematic side view of a container and closure
combination wherein the wall portions of the container and the
closure parts vary in height along their peripheries. FIG. 1b is a
perspective side view of the same. FIG. 1c is another perspective
view of the combination.
[0047] FIG. 2a is an enlarged perspective side view of the
combination of FIG. 1 in a separated/opened state.
[0048] FIG. 2b is a schematic side view of a combination comprising
an intermediate element.
[0049] FIG. 3a is a side view of the intermediate element of the
combination in the form of a cup-shaped member. FIG. 3b is a top
view thereof. FIG. 3c is another side of the cup-shaped member.
FIG. 3d is a perspective view of the cup-shaped member of FIGS.
3a-3c.
[0050] FIG. 4a is an exploded, schematic side view of a combination
according to the invention in the embodiment using the cup-shaped
member also shown in FIGS. 3a-3d as an intermediate element. As can
be seen, the container and closure parts of the combination may in
this embodiment be identical or substantially identical parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] FIGS. 1a-1c and FIGS. 2a-2b show a container and closure
combination generally indicated 1. The combination comprises a
container part 3 and a closure part 2. In FIGS. 1a-1c the
combination is in a combined or "closed" state. In FIGS. 2a-2b the
combination is in a separated or "opened" state.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 2a, the container part 3 comprises a
base portion (the "bottom", not indicated), a wall portion 4 and a
connecting portion 5 in the form of a neck portion 5a. The outer
dimension of the neck portion 5a is smaller than the outer
dimension of the wall portion 4 of the container part whereby a
recess for accommodating the wall portion 6 of the closure part is
provided. The wall portion 4 of the container part 3 and the wall
portion 6 of the closure part 2 both vary in height along their
respective peripheries as is shown in the figure. In FIGS. 1a-1c it
can be seen how the wall portions 4 and 6 are complementary to each
other when the parts 2 and 3 are combined/closed.
[0053] In FIGS. 1a-1c and FIG. 2a the height variation of the wall
portions 4 and 6 describes a sinusoid curve, but the variation may
of course follow any type of curve. In the embodiment wherein the
variation follows a sinusoid curve it is particularly easy and
intuitive to separate/open the combination 1 by a simple twist of
the two parts 2 and 3 in opposite directions, while the combination
is still safely closed with a tight fit when the parts are
combined. Apart from providing a simple opening of the combination
the embodiment further provides an aesthetically improved container
and closure combination.
[0054] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1a-1c and FIG. 2a the neck
portion 5a and the wall portion 6 are both provided with an
inwardly curled portion 7 and 8 respectively, particularly for
making the neck portion 5a and the wall portion 6 engage along a
smooth edge thereby also ascertaining a tight fit between the
parts.
[0055] Embodiments can also comprise engagement means such as
protrusions or threads for providing a mating engagement between
the parts 2 and 3, however these are not shown in FIGS. 1a-1c or
2a. The engagement means can be provided on the outer side of the
neck portion 5a of the container and on the inner side of the wall
portion 6 of the closure. In an embodiment the combination is kept
"closed" as a result of friction forces between the neck portion 5a
and the wall portion 6.
[0056] The transition 9 between the wall portion 4 and the neck
portion 5 is provided with a radius of curvature of less than 2 mm,
such as less than 1 mm.
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, the combination 1 may
alternatively comprise two identical parts 2 and 3 both having a
base portion (the "bottom", not indicated) and a wall portion 4.
Also shown is a connecting portion 5 in the form of an intermediate
element comprised by a ring-shaped member 5b. The outer dimension
of the ring-shaped member 5b is smaller than the outer dimension of
the wall portions 4 of the combination parts 2 and 3. The wall
portions 4 of the combination parts 2 and 3 vary in height along
their respective peripheries as is shown in the figure. In the
figure it can be seen how the wall portions 4 can be complementary
to each other when the parts 2 and 3 are combined/closed. In this
embodiment the combination is combined by attaching the two parts 2
and 3 to the ring-shaped member 5b e.g. by an interference fit. In
the figure, an example of protrusions 5c on the periphery of the
ring-shaped member for providing interference fit in terms of
friction between the parts 2 and 3 and 5b, is illustrated. The
protrusions 5c are shown to be of dissimilar shape and/or size
and/or type so as to facilitate a possible difference in the force
required to open the parts 2 and 3, respectively. Other types of
friction or engagement means between the parts may of course be
used in order to provide a custom fit combination.
[0058] In FIG. 2b, the height variation of the wall portions 4 of
the identical parts 2 and 3 describes a sinusoid curve, but the
variation may of course follow any type of curve. In the embodiment
wherein the variation follows a sinusoid curve it is particularly
easy and intuitive to separate/open the combination 1 by a simple
twist of the two parts 2 and 3 in opposite directions, while the
combination is still safely closed with a tight fit when the parts
are combined. Apart from providing a simple opening of the
combination the embodiment further provides an aesthetically
improved container and closure combination.
[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2b the wall portions 4
are both provided with an inwardly curled portion 7 and 8
respectively, particularly for making them engage along a smooth
edge thereby also ascertaining a tight fit between the parts when
combined.
[0060] FIG. 3a is a first side view of the connecting portion 5 in
the form of a cup-shaped member 5c of the combination according to
an embodiment of the invention. The cup-shaped member 5c is shown
with engagement means in the form of protrusions 11 for engaging
with a "container" part 3 as shown in FIG. 2b.
[0061] As the parts 2 and 3 of FIG. 2b are identical and are
intended to be attached to the intermediate element 5c, the
container part of the combination according to the embodiments
including an intermediate element 5b, 5c can be understood as being
constituted by the intermediate element and a part 2,3.
[0062] The cup-shaped member 5c is also illustrated with
drop-shaped protrusions 12 for engaging with a closure part 2 of
the combination. Further shown is a circumventing collar 13 with
surfaces 13a and 13b (best seen in FIGS. 3b-3d) building an
abutting surface the wall and/or neck portions of the parts 2,3,
particularly for an inwardly curled portion thereof.
[0063] FIG. 3c is another side view of the cup-shaped member 5c
basically showing the same features as FIG. 3a, but taken from
another position along the periphery of the member and intended to
illustrate the height variation of the collar 13. In FIGS. 3c and
3d it is also possible to see one or more means for aiding in the
possible releasing of the member 5c from the part 3 in the form of
cuts 14a (FIG. 3c) and means for stabilizing the member 5c in the
part 3 in the form of supporting feet or fins 14b.
[0064] FIG. 4 shows (in exploded view) very schematically how a
combination may be comprised from a cup-shaped member 5c onto which
a container 3 and a closure 2 part can be attached, preferably by
clicking the parts onto the member by letting the inwardly curled
portion 15 of the closure engage with the drop-shaped protrusions
12, and by letting the inwardly curled portion 16 of the container
part 3 engage with the protrusions 11. The inwardly curled portions
15,16 can then engage with the surfaces 13a and 13b respectively,
of the circumventing collar 13.
[0065] Although the present invention has been described in
connection with the specified embodiments, it is not intended to be
limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of
the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims.
In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude the presence
of other elements or steps. Additionally, although individual
features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be
advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does
not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or
advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a
plurality. Thus, references to "a", "an", "first", "second" etc. do
not preclude a plurality. As such, this detailed description of
various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit
the scope or the breadth of the present invention as set forth in
the appended claims. Furthermore, reference signs in the claims
shall also not be construed as limiting the scope.
* * * * *