U.S. patent application number 13/350336 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for closure for a container.
Invention is credited to Gene Michael Altonen, Brian David Andres, Widalys Luz Desoto-Burt, Chow-chi Huang, Su-Yon McConville, Alfredo PAGAN, Cristian Alexis Viola-Prioli.
Application Number | 20120181278 13/350336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46940658 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120181278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PAGAN; Alfredo ; et
al. |
July 19, 2012 |
Closure For a Container
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a closure for a container
comprising a first component which assembles onto an outlet opening
and provides a seal, said first component is threadingly engaged to
a second component of said closure; a second component comprising a
dispensing orifice, said second component, threadingly engaged with
said first component; a dispensing orifice positioned directly
adjacent to the open portion of the container body; wherein the
second component will engage with the first component when the
second component is moved relative to the first component to enable
operation of the orifice and wherein the first component comprises
one or more elements being in a specific juxtaposition enabling a
small height and a low profile for one or more of the elements of
the first component, said element(s) being in the plane or below
the plane of the outlet of the container.
Inventors: |
PAGAN; Alfredo; (Mason,
OH) ; Huang; Chow-chi; (West Chester, OH) ;
Altonen; Gene Michael; (West Chester, OH) ;
McConville; Su-Yon; (Mason, OH) ; Desoto-Burt;
Widalys Luz; (Cincinnati, OH) ; Andres; Brian
David; (Harrison, OH) ; Viola-Prioli; Cristian
Alexis; (Loveland, OH) |
Family ID: |
46940658 |
Appl. No.: |
13/350336 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61433072 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
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61433052 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
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61433062 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
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61433068 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
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61433079 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
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61432698 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/212 ;
220/288; 220/290 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/0223 20130101;
Y02W 90/11 20150501; Y02W 90/10 20150501; B29C 49/04 20130101; Y02W
30/805 20150501; B65D 1/023 20130101; Y02W 30/80 20150501; B29C
49/06 20130101; B29L 2031/7158 20130101; Y02W 90/13 20150501 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/212 ;
220/288; 220/290 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04; B65D 51/24 20060101 B65D051/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 14, 2011 |
CN |
CM3406FP |
Claims
1. A closure for an outlet opening of a container comprising: a. a
first component which assembles onto an outlet opening and provides
a seal for an outlet opening said first component is threadingly
engaged to a second component of said closure; b. a second
component comprising a dispensing orifice of said second component,
said second component, threadingly engaged with said first
component; c. a dispensing orifice positioned directly adjacent to
the open portion of the container body; wherein the second
component will engage with the first component when the second
component is moved relative to the first component to enable
operation of the orifice and wherein the first component comprises
one or more elements being in a specific juxtaposition enabling a
small height and a low profile for one or more of the elements of
the first component and the second component wherein a seal and
elements supporting the operation of the closure are in the plane
or below the plane of the outlet of the container.
2. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure will move in
a method selected from the group consisting of twist, elevate,
slide, diagonal, horizontal, rotational and mixtures thereof to
define a dispensing orifice.
3. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure comprises at
least two materials.
4. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing orifice is
formed by the orientation of the first component to the second
component or the orientation of the second component to the first
component.
5. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the first component
comprises a female/male feature to engage with said second
component and the second component comprises a female/male
counterpart feature component of the closure.
6. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the second component
comprises a female/male feature to engage with said first component
and the first component comprises a female/male counterpart feature
component of the closure.
7. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the second component is
moved in concentric movement around the first component.
8. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure is integrated
with a body of a container.
9. A closure according to claim 8 wherein the closure is integrated
with a body of a container wherein geometry of the closure
functions in completing the silhouette of the body of the
container.
10. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure is operated
by a single hand of a user or two hands of a user.
11. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure and a
container connected to the closure are held by a single hand of a
user and closure is operated by a single digit of the single
hand.
12. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure comprises a
mechanism that suspends one component relative to the other
component to ensure a closure remains closed or open.
13. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the first component
comprises an orienting mechanism which enables a specific
orientation of closure components relative to the outlet opening of
the container where the assembly possesses an orienting or an
alignment assembly.
14. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the first component
comprises an orienting mechanism which enables a specific
orientation of the other closure components relative to the first
component.
15. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure comprises
tactile features.
16. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure comprises
visual features.
17. A closure according to claim 16, wherein the closure comprises
the visual features which provide the user with direction on how to
operate the closure.
18. A closure according to claim 15, wherein the closure comprises
the tactile features which provide the user with direction and a
function on how to operate the closure.
19. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure comprises an
audible sound mechanism.
20. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure is comprised
of a sustainable material.
21. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the first component
comprises an anchor rib(s).
22. A closure according to claim 20 wherein the sustainable
material is selected from the group consisting of biopolymers made
from non-petroleum sources, biodegradable polymers, recycled resins
and mixtures thereof.
23. A closure according to claim 22 wherein the non-petroleum
source is selected from the group consisting of bio-derived
polyethylene, bio derived polypropylene, bio derived polyesters and
mixtures thereof.
24. A closure according to claim 3 wherein the closure comprises
materials that improve functional performance selected from the
group consisting of sealing, ergonomics, stability on storage
surfaces, visual aids for user, container durability, customization
of tactile and audible signals to the user and mixtures
thereof.
25. A closure according to claim 24 wherein the closure comprises
material selected from the group consisting of polyolefin resins,
polyethylene PE, polypropylene PP; Acrylates, poly methyl acrylate,
PMA; carbonates, polycarbonate PC; carbonates, polycarbonate PC;
methacrylates, poly methyl methacrylate PMMA; amides, Nylon 6,
acetal, copolymers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ABS;
chlorinated polymers, poly vinyl chloride PVC; styrenics,
polystyrene PS; Esters, polyethylene terephthalate PET; modified
esters, PETG, polyformaldehyde Delrin; methacrylates, poly methyl
methacrylate PMMA; amides, Nylon 6, acetal, copolymers
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene--ABS, chlorinated polymers, poly
vinyl chloride PVC; styrenics, such as polystyrene PS, esters,
polyethylene terephthalate PET, modified esters, such as PETG, and
polyformaldehyde, delrin and mixtures thereof.
26. A closure according to claim 24 wherein the closure comprises a
soft material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic
elestomers; TPE, styrenic (SEBS and SBS) based and olefin (TPO PP
Elastomer) based, thermoplastic eurothanes TPU, melt processable
rubber MPR, thermoplastic vulcanizate TPV, and poly vinyl chloride
PVC and mixtures thereof.
27. A closure according to claim 1 wherein the closure geometry
provides a surface for optimal leverage to operate the closure.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/433,072, filed on Jan. 14, 2011; and U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/433,052, filed on Jan. 14,
2011; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/433,062, filed
on Jan. 14, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/433,068, filed on Jan. 14, 2011; and U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/433,079, filed on Jan. 14, 2011; and U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/432,698, filed on Jan. 14,
2011, all of which are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a closure for an outlet
opening of a container comprising a first component which assembles
onto an outlet opening and provides a seal for an outlet opening,
said first component is threadingly engaged to a second component
of said closure; which will engage with the first component when
the second component is moved relative to the first component to
enable operation of the orifice. In particular, the present
invention relates to a first component comprising one or more
elements being in a specific juxtaposition enabling a small height
and low profile/a narrow profile for one or more of the elements
wherein a seal and the mechanical features supporting the operation
of the closure are in the plane or below the plane of the outlet of
the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A variety of packages, including dispensing packages or
containers, have been developed for household products, personal
care products, and other products. Currently, there are several
closure designs on store shelves. They all vary from Disc/pivot
top, push to open, flip top, push and pull, twist to open, as well
as a variety of others. A current disadvantage of all these
closures is that they don't take into consideration the ease of
use, audible/tactile signals, intuitiveness, and ergonomic features
that delights the consumer. In the present invention, designs being
developed take into consideration consumer insight. All closures
represent one handed operation that demonstrates obviousness in
open and close position with integrated locking feature. Also, the
present invention will enable upright and inverted use of the
package. Each closure is holistically designed to deliver intuitive
operation; obviousness of being open or closed; ergonomic to
operate; and providing all of the sensory (audible, tactile and
visual) cues for operation. Further, the present invention expands
on consumer insights that drive to efficiency per usage
experience.
[0004] Currently, most closures complete the geometry of the
container, thereby requiring the size of the closure to be
proportional to the geometry of the container. In one embodiment of
the present invention, the size of the closure is minimized thereby
providing several benefits. One of the benefits is reducing the
weight of the closure to the minimum amount of resin needed to
enable the required closure functionality. This is a benefit for
the environment as industry currently does not have a well
established polypropylene recycling stream. By having a closure
that has a reduced weight from the overall package, this allows a
container to have improved recyclability. It also reduces the
overall costs of the closure including costs associated with resin,
processing, tooling, injection mold (IM) press selection, and
others. Another benefit of minimizing closure size is that the
closure becomes a less focal point of the design making it more
inductive to use the same closure for different container designs
within one brand and even enable the use of the same closure across
different brands/shaped families. This drives optimization and
efficiency and in return reduces further costs. This further
enables the silhouette of the shape to be scaled proportionally
without the use of additional features such as container shoulders
and angles to accommodate the closure.
[0005] Another benefit for minimizing the closure size is that it
can be integrated in the container shape. When the container is in
its inverted orientation, an integrated design allows the use of
the container top surface to add stability vs. requiring a larger
closure. This drives scale in the container design and development
and therefore is an advantage. It also aids in creating
differentiation between the forms (such as shampoo and
conditioner), helping consumers identify the product that they are
looking for.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a closure for an outlet
opening of a container comprising a first component which assembles
onto an outlet opening and provides a seal for an outlet opening
said first component is threadingly engaged to a second component
of said closure; a second component comprising a dispensing orifice
of said second component, said second component, threadingly
engaged with said first component; a dispensing orifice positioned
directly adjacent to the open portion of the container body;
wherein the second component will engage with the first component
when the second component is moved relative to the first component
to enable operation of the orifice and wherein the first component
comprises one or more elements/one or more mechanical features
being in a specific juxtaposition enabling a small height/low
profile/a narrow profile for one or more (the majority of) of the
mechanical features/elements of the first component wherein the
seal and the mechanical features supporting the operation of the
closure are in the plane or below the plane of the outlet of the
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a closure with an arrow
depicting a direction to open.
[0008] FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a closure with an arrow
depicting a direction to open.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a closure--with an underside
view.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a closure.
[0011] FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a first component of a
closure.
[0012] FIG. 4B is an isometric view of a first component of a
closure.
[0013] FIG. 4C is an isometric view of a first component of a
closure.
[0014] FIG. 4D is an isometric view of a first component of a
closure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a closure integrated within
two shoulders of a container.
[0016] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a second component of a
closure.
[0017] FIG. 6B is an isometric view of a second component of a
closure.
[0018] FIG. 6C is an isometric view of a second component of a
closure.
[0019] FIG. 7A is a cross section view of closure and container of
FIG. 8.
[0020] FIG. 7B is a cross section view of closure and container of
a modified FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a closure integrated with a
shoulder of a container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] According to the present invention a closure (1) for an
outlet opening of a container comprises a first component which
assembles onto an outlet opening and provides a seal for an outlet
opening said first component is threadingly engaged to a second
component of the closure. The first component connects the second
component with the container. It enables the sealing mechanism for
the container and first component and sealing between the first and
second component. Non-limiting examples of a sealing mechanism
include a plug seal, a telescoping seal, a membrane seal, a crab
claw seal, a silicone membrane seal, spin or ultrasonic welding,
glue adhesive and mixtures thereof. In an embodiment of the present
invention, the sealing mechanism for the container and first
component is a plug seal (9) and the sealing between the first and
second component is a telescoping seal (8). A telescoping seal (8)
may enable dynamic sealing between the first and second component.
The telescoping seal maintains the seal as the user
operates/actuates the closure.
[0023] The first component can comprise a male/female thread
mechanism to enable closure operation and female ramps (20) to
provide stability to the second component comprising male ribs (21)
during closure operation. In a further embodiment, a thread
mechanism may comprise mechanical female/male thread, designed in a
helical path, to enable vertical movement of the second component
relative to the first component.
[0024] Also, the first component (3) comprises an anti-rotating
female feature (22) to prevent free movement of the closure as well
as the counter part for an audible mechanism (23). An anti-rotating
feature can prevent the first component from spinning freely
relative to a container neck opening. There is also a second
anti-rotating feature which is female mechanism (14) in one
embodiment, and may be male mechanism (15) in another embodiment,
between the first and second component such as an interlocking
joint feature which may be a mechanical interlocking joint. An
audible mechanism may communicate to the user when the closure is
either closed or open. In a further embodiment of the present
invention, the first component may comprise a snap ring(s) (24)
which enables the first component to be securely attached to the
neck of the container.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, a second
component comprises a dispensing orifice wherein the second
component is, threadingly engaged with the first component. The
second component may comprise features that contribute to the user
interface. Such component comprises the color/shape differentiation
as well as the tactile features (13) and ergonomic intuitive design
components. It also has the counter part mechanisms for the
audible, telescoping seal, dispensing orifice, female/male thread
mechanism, ramps/tracks stability features and anti rotating
features.
[0026] In an embodiment in the present invention, a dispensing
orifice (5) positioned directly adjacent to the open portion of the
container body wherein the second component will engage with the
first component when the second component is moved relative to the
first component to enable operation of the orifice and wherein the
first component comprises one or more elements/one or more
mechanical features being in a specific juxtaposition enabling a
small height/low profile/a narrow profile for one or more (the
majority of) of the mechanical features/elements of the first
component wherein a seal and the mechanical features supporting the
operation of the closure are in the plane or below the plane of the
outlet of the container (26). Most of the features within the first
component are located at or below the plane of the container
opening outlet (25). This enables the features to be placed at
locations that are typically considered dead space. This allows for
a design that has significantly less height than typical closures
and as a result significant weight reduction of the overall closure
is achieved. This will not only enable significant manufacturing
cost reduction but, will also enable sustainability improvement by
developing a closure that can be manufactured in half or less time
(due to less energy consumption) and less part weight than average
closures.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first
component comprises one or more elements or one or more mechanical
features being in a specific juxtaposition enabling a small
height/low profile/a narrow profile regardless of the diameter of
the container opening.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the height or
distance of the specific juxtaposition may stay constant regardless
of the size of the diameter of container opening. For example, the
low profile needed for a small container opening may stay constant
for a larger container opening.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first
component (3) may comprise one or more sealing regions, such as a
plug seal (9) and telescoping seal (8) located on the top of the
neck or extending beyond the top plane of the neck or top
plane/surface of the neck and inside the neck of the container or
it is located within the height of the neck or below the neck of
the container enabling a small height or low profile or a narrow
profile or same plane for mechanical features/elements of the first
component.
[0030] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first
component (3) may comprise one or more elements located at or below
a plane defined by a top region/area of a neck outlet of the
container enabling a small height or low profile or a narrow
profile or same plane for all of the mechanical features/elements
of the first component.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, a closure (1) for
an outlet opening of a container is provided comprising a first
component (3) which assembles onto an outlet opening (26) and
provides a seal for an outlet opening said first component is
threadingly engaged to a second component (4) of said closure; a
second component (4) comprising a dispensing orifice (5) of the
second component (4), the second component (4), threadingly engaged
with the first component (3); a dispensing orifice (5) positioned
directly adjacent to the open portion of the container body;
wherein the second component (4) will engage with the first
component (3) when the second component is moved relative to the
first component (3) to enable operation of the orifice and wherein
a full assembly of the first component (3) and the second component
(4) comprises at least one material, and in a further embodiment,
at least two materials.
[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to
allow a user to reveal the dispensing orifice (5) of a package, a
closure (1) may be designed with various different types of
movements. A closure (1) may move by rotational movement along an
axis, diagonal movement, and horizontal movement, vertical
movement, a twist movement, elevate movement, slide movement, and
mixtures thereof to reveal a dispensing orifice.
[0033] To achieve the above directional movement, in an embodiment
of the present invention, the following mechanical features may be
designed in the closure; female/male thread interface, a flow
channel that may have a telescoping mechanism, a cylindrical, an
elliptical, a square, or triangular shape; pivot points, swivel
hinge type mechanisms and mixtures thereof.
[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
component (3) comprises a male thread (6) to engage with said
second component (4) and the second component (4) comprises female
thread (7) which is a counterpart feature component of the closure.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first
component (3) comprises a female component to engage with said
second component (4) and the second component (4) comprises male
component which is a counterpart feature component of the closure.
In a further component the first component may comprise a
combination of female and male component and the second component
may comprise a combination of female and male components as
well.
[0035] The female (7) and male (6) threads allows the two
components to stay together as one component. The female (7) and
male threads (6) also enable the closure movement from a lower
position to an elevated position. This allows the user to reveal
the dispensing orifice (5) and hence dispense a fluid.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second
component (4) is moved in a concentrical movement, linear movement,
axial movement, radial movement, co-radial movement, eccentrical
movement, spiral movement and mixtures around the first component
(3).
[0037] The dispensing orifice (5) may be revealed in different
ways. For example; in a rotate/twist to open closure (1), the
dispensing orifice (5) is opened via a female/male thread
interaction where the first component (3) rotates/spins within it's
axis of rotation, concentrically to the second component (4).
[0038] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the
closure is integrated with a body of a container (FIG. 7 and FIG.
8). By having a closure as small as functionally possible; it may
provide a centered or an offset of the closure to one side and have
the container shoulder flush to the closure top surface. It also
provides full integration of the closure within the shoulders (10)
of a container (1), and in a further embodiment within the
shoulders (10) of a container (1).
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the closure (1)
is integrated with a body of a container, as shown in FIGS. 5 and
8, wherein geometry of the closure acts in completing the
silhouette of the body of the container. In a further embodiment,
in an inverted orientation a recessed closure allows the use of a
container shoulder to add stability vs. requiring a full size
closure on top of a container.
[0040] In a further embodiment of the present invention, closure
geometry provides a surface for optimal leverage to operate a
closure. A closure (1) is operated by a single hand of a user or by
two hands of a user. A closure may have features with enhanced
ergonomics such as handles, levers, alternative materials,
textures, specific shaped contours, and combinations thereof. These
features are strategically positioned to enable ease of use with
either wet or dry hands. For example, in an embodiment of the
present invention, in a twist/rotate to open closure (1) that uses
female/male threads, the further away the lever or point of opening
is from the axis of rotation, the easier the opening of the closure
will be for the same area of applied pressure. In other words, in
such an embodiment, the further the distance from the axis of
rotation is, the less force will be required by the consumer to
open the closure for a specific torque. The closure design could
either have an enhanced shroud design for ease of use or
ergonomically incorporated levers (11) or an egonomically
incorporated lever (29).
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, a closure (1) may
comprise a mechanism that suspends one component relative to the
other component to ensure a closure remains closed or open. As part
of a twist/rotate motion to open a closure, the first and/or second
component may have bumps or protrusions (12) in either a female
thread (7) or a male thread (6) that will prevent a closure to
close while opened or to open while closed. When the male thread
(6) passes over the protrusions (12) or bump, the closure will lock
in place and thus not allowing the second component (4) to open or
close by itself.
[0042] In a further embodiment of the invention, a closure
comprises a first component (3) which comprises an orienting
mechanism which enables a specific orientation of the first
component (3) relative to an outlet opening of a container. In this
embodiment, a closure has either a male mechanism or female
mechanism (22), which act as an orienting mechanism, that interacts
with the male mechanism (30) or female mechanism (22) of a
container to prevent free rotation and enable closure orientation
for proper closure operation.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, a closure (1)
comprises a first component (3) comprising an orienting mechanism
which enables a specific orientation of the second component (4)
relative to the first component (3). This embodiment comprises a
design that takes advantage of a first component female tracks and
creates a female/male mechanism configuration with the second
component to align and prevent further rotation between the first
component (3) and a second component (4). In this embodiment, the
female mechanism (14) and male mechanism (15) is designed in an
interlocking joint which may allow for a more robust and stable
engagement between the first component (3) and the second component
(4).
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, a closure (1)
rotates around an axis between an open and a close position.
[0045] In a twist/rotate to open closure a second component (4) is
rotated around an axis to move the second component (4) relative to
a first component (3) between a lower and elevated position,
allowing a user to reveal the dispensing orifice (5) of the second
component (4).
[0046] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a closure
(1) comprises tactile features (13) and/or visual features (16)
that provide a user with direction on how to operate the closure.
The closure (1) will incorporate tactile features (13) and visual
features (16) that will cue or communicate to a user to know where
to press/push/hold and which direction the force needs to be
applied.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, a closure
comprises an audible sound mechanism. In an embodiment, a closure
may have a cantilever feature (17) or a similar mechanical feature
that will generate a sound as the user manipulates a closure from
an open to a closed position and/or closed to open position. This
will communicate to a user when a closure is fully opened and when
a closure is fully closed.
[0048] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first
component (3) may comprise anchor ribs (27) to provide stability of
the second component (4) relative to the first component.
[0049] By having anchor ribs (27) in either the first component (3)
or second component (4), the integrity of the assembly increases
and therefore the more stable the assembly will be. This is because
the anchor ribs (27) may limit the side-to-side movement (wobble)
of the second component (4) relative to the first component
(3).
[0050] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first
component (3) may comprise anchor ribs (27) to keep first component
(3) and second component (4) intact upon removal of the
closure.
[0051] By having anchor ribs (27) in either the first component (3)
or the second component (4), the integrity of the assembly
increases and therefore the more robust the engagement of the
assembly will be. This is because the anchor ribs (27) are limiting
the side-to-side movement (wobble) of the second component and
consequently they increase the retention force of the second
component (4) relative to the first component (3). The anchor ribs
(27) increase the engagement of the retention feature that enables
the second component (4) to stay together with the first component
(3). In a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the
first component (3) or the second component (4) may comprises multi
stage opening bumps for metered dosing. By having a multistage
opening closure, a consumer will be capable of opening the closure
at different heights and therefore control the size of the
dispensing orifice opening. This will enable the consumers to
dispense a preferred amount from the container, which is different
from existing closures were a consumer has limited control over the
amount that they dispense from their containers. The present
invention will enable the consumer to always dose the same exact
amount every single time.
[0052] By having a multistage opening closure the consumer will be
capable of opening the closure at different heights and therefore
control the size of the dispensing orifice opening. This will
enable the consumers to dispense their preferred amount from the
container. Different from today were they have limited control over
the amount that they dispense from their containers. The present
invention will enable the consumer to always dose the same exact
amount every single time.
[0053] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a closure
is comprised of a sustainable material. The closure may be
manufactured completely with sustainable materials or either the
first component (3) or second component (4) only. This may allow
for a more recyclable closure. Some of the materials that could be
used are: PCR, HDPE, LDPE, Bamboo, renewable resins include PLA
(polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), and bio-polyolefins
(bio-PE, bio-PP, bio-PET), where starting materials are plants or
biomass instead of oil; recycled and recyclable resins include PP
PCR (post consumer regrind) and PIR (post industrial regrind),
which are resins diverted from trash to be reprocessed and/or
reused instead; Natural fillers include minerals (e.g. CaCO3),
wood, pulp, paper, bamboo, grass, kenaf, bulrush, and other natural
plants that have been crushed, cut, broken, or pulverized for
inclusion in plastics; renewable resins include PLA (polylactic
acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), and bio-polyolefins (bio-PE,
bio-PP, bio-PET), where starting materials are plants or biomass
instead of oil; recycled and recyclable resins include PP PCR (post
consumer regrind) and PIR (post industrial regrind), which are
resins diverted from trash to be reprocessed and/or reused instead;
some recycled miscellaneous materials can be used as fillers,
including waste currency. (e.g. U.S. dollar bills).
[0054] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a
container made by the present invention wherein the container is
comprised of a biodegradable polymer material selected from the
group consisting of polyglycolic acid (PGA), polybutylene succinate
(PBS), an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester based on terephthalic
acid, an aromatic copolyester with a high terephthalic acid
content, thermoplastic starch (TPS), cellulose, or a mixture
thereof.
[0055] The sustainable materials may include biopolymers made from
non-petroleum sources, biodegradable polymers, recycled resins and
mixtures thereof. Some of the potential biopolymers that could be
used for this application are: bamboo, paper, and grass. A
non-petroleum source may be selected from the group consisting of
bio-derived polyethylene, bio derived polypropylene, bio derived
polyesters and mixtures thereof. Some or all of the sustainable
material may contain colorants, antistatics, UV inhibitors, or
other small quantity additives to change the appearance or
performance.
[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, a closure may
comprise at least two materials. A closure may be molded with a
hard material (18) (such as a polypropylene (PP) like resin) and a
soft material (19). In a further embodiment of the presents
invention such hard materials may be hard resins such as Polyolefin
resins, such as Polyethylene PE and polypropylene PP; Acrylates,
such as Poly methyl acrylate, PMA; Carbonates such as Polycarbonate
PC; Carbonates, such as Polycarbonate PC; Methacrylates, such as
poly methyl methacrylate PMMA; Amides such as Nylon 6; Acetal;
Copolymers, such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene--ABS;
Chlorinated Polymers, such as Poly vinyl chloride PVC; Styrenics,
such as Polystyrene PS; Esters, such as polyethylene terephthalate
PET; Modified Esters such as PETG; Polyformaldehyde such as Delrin;
Methacrylates, such as poly methyl methacrylate PMMA; Amides, such
as Nylon 6; Acetal; Copolymers such as Acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene--ABS; Chlorinated Polymers, such as Poly vinyl chloride
PVC; Styrenics, such as Polystyrene PS; Esters, such as
polyethylene terephthalate PET; Modified Esters, such as PETG; and
Polyformaldehyde, such as Delrin.
[0057] In a further embodiment, a closure may be molded with a soft
material (19). Such soft material (19) may include soft injection
moldable resins; Thermoplastic elestomers; TPE including styrenic
(SEBS and SBS) based and olefin (TPO PP Elastomer) based;
Thermoplastic eurothanes TPU; Melt Processable Rubber MPR;
Thermoplastic Vulcanizate TPV; and Poly vinyl chloride PVC and
mixtures thereof. In an embodiment of the present invention, the
soft like material may delight the consumer with a soft touch feel
while opening and closing the closure.
[0058] In a further embodiment of the present invention, soft
resins that are not injection molded may be used, such as silicone;
and urethane rubbers.
[0059] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a closure
may comprise materials which may improve functional performance
(sealing, ergonomics, stability on storage surfaces, visual aid for
user, container durability, customized the tactile and audible
signals to the user and mixtures thereof). A TPE or silicone like
material will enable for a more robust seal between the dispensing
orifice (5) and a spud (2) design. In the present application, the
softer material (19) will tend to conform to the shape of the spud
(2) design, allowing for a better seal vs. PP to PP components.
[0060] The closure may also incorporate dissimilar materials
between the first component (3) and the second component (4) to
lower the coefficient of friction between both components.
Materials combinations that may be used are PP/PP, HDPE/PP,
LDPE/PP, Acetel/PP, Bamboo/PP and mixtures thereof.
[0061] 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."
[0062] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. 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.
[0063] 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.
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