U.S. patent application number 13/720386 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-19 for package formed by container and overcap.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sonoco Development, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.. Invention is credited to Keith E. Antal, SR., Chad E. Lagace, Terry Smith.
Application Number | 20140166659 13/720386 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49877019 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140166659 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Antal, SR.; Keith E. ; et
al. |
June 19, 2014 |
PACKAGE FORMED BY CONTAINER AND OVERCAP
Abstract
A closure lid is provided for use in covering an opening in a
container and engaging a peripheral rim defining the opening. The
closure lid includes a body for covering the container opening and
a plurality of projecting portions that extend from a periphery of
the body. The projecting portions are spaced from one another
around the periphery of the body, with each formed to surround a
portion of the container rim. A ring is frangibly connected to the
projecting portions and surrounds container rim. A plurality of
retaining fingers or tabs are provided, with each finger spaced
from one another and interleaved within the spacing between
adjacent projecting portions. The fingers project inwardly from the
ring and engage the external sidewall of the container rim. The
engagement of the fingers with the container is visible through the
spacing between the projecting portions.
Inventors: |
Antal, SR.; Keith E.;
(Valatie, NY) ; Lagace; Chad E.; (Cohoes, NY)
; Smith; Terry; (Melbourne, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC. |
Hartsville |
SC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sonoco Development, Inc.
Hartsville
SC
|
Family ID: |
49877019 |
Appl. No.: |
13/720386 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/521 ;
220/265 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00296
20130101; B65D 2543/00481 20130101; B65D 2543/00805 20130101; B65D
2543/00833 20130101; B65D 43/0256 20130101; B65D 2543/00027
20130101; B65D 2543/00555 20130101; B65D 2543/00759 20130101; B65D
2543/00629 20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 2543/00537
20130101; B65D 2543/00842 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/521 ;
220/265 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/40 20060101
B65D041/40; B65D 51/28 20060101 B65D051/28 |
Claims
1. A closure lid for use in covering an opening, the opening
defined by a peripheral rim having an external sidewall and an
outwardly projecting peripheral bead, the closure lid comprising: a
body adapted to cover the opening; a plurality of projecting
portions extending from a periphery of the body, the projecting
portions spaced from one another around the periphery, each
projecting portion having an upper surface portion and a connected
side surface portion, the upper portions and side portions of the
projections adapted to overlap and surround the adjacent portion of
a container rim and a corresponding portion of a peripheral bead on
the rim; a ring frangibly connected to the side portions of the
plurality of projecting portions, the ring adapted to surround in a
spaced relationship with the external sidewall; and a plurality of
retaining fingers, the fingers spaced from one another and
interleaved within the spacing between adjacent projecting
portions, the fingers projecting inwardly from the ring and having
projected ends adapted to engage the external sidewall and the
peripheral bead associated with the container rim, wherein the
projected ends of the fingers are vertically exposed through the
spacing between the upper portions of the projecting portions
during formation of the closure lid, wherein the engagement of the
fingers with the external sidewall and the bead is laterally
exposed through the spacing between the side portions of the
projecting when the lid is mounted on the container rim, and
wherein the fingers are removed along with the ring upon frangible
disconnection of the ring from the projecting portions.
2. A closure lid as in claim 1 wherein the projecting portions
further comprise an inwardly facing surface formed on the side
portions, and wherein one or more of said inwardly facing surfaces
having an inwardly projecting ridge for engaging the peripheral
bead of the container rim.
3. A closure lid as in claim 1 wherein the upper portions of the
projecting portions are curved, with the curvature conforming to
the dimensions of the container rim for wrapping around at least a
portion of the container rim.
4. A closure lid as in claim 1 wherein the body comprises an inner
wall formed for contacting an internal sidewall of the container
rim.
5. A closure lid as in claim 1 wherein the body comprises a
measuring well having a defined volume for measuring product stored
within the container.
6. A closure lid as in claim 5 wherein the measuring well is formed
on an inside surface of the body.
7. A closure lid as in claim 6 wherein the body further comprises
an inner wall formed for engagement with the internal sidewall of
the container rim, and the measuring well being spaced inwardly
from the inner wall.
8. A closure lid as in claim 7 wherein the measuring well comprises
a plurality of sidewalls formed in a rectangular profile.
9. A closure lid as in claim 8 wherein two opposing sidewalls of
the rectangular profile of the measuring well are spaced inwardly
from the inner wall at a greater distance than the other two
opposing sidewall portions of the rectangular profile.
10. A closure lid as in claim 7 wherein the inner wall portion
forms a nesting shoulder, the nesting shoulder dimensioned to
receiving a corresponding nesting shoulder of a secondary lid for a
nested stacking of the lid and the secondary lid.
11. A closure lid as in claim 1 further comprising a stacking ridge
formed on an upper surface of the lid for retaining a secondary
package stacked on an upper surface of the lid.
12. A closure lid as in claim 11 wherein the stacking ridge is
formed by a plurality of ridge members, with individual ridge
members formed on a corresponding projecting portion.
13. A package comprising a container having a defined container
opening, the container opening providing access to an interior
volume formed by the container, the container opening further
defined by an upstanding peripheral rim; and a lid removably
covering container opening and engaging the peripheral rim on the
container; the lid comprising a body portion dimensioned to cover
the container opening, a rim engagement structure formed by a
plurality of projecting portions, the projecting portions each
formed to engage the peripheral rim of the container to removably
retain the lid in a covering relation with the container opening,
the projections having a planer portion for engaging an upper
surface of the peripheral rim, a wrapping portion extending around
the peripheral rim, and a side portion extending below the
peripheral rim, a ring frangibly affixed to the side portions of
the projecting portions, the ring adapted to substantially encircle
the container adjacent the peripheral rim, and a plurality of
tamper-evident tabs projecting from an inside surface of the ring,
each tab angled inwardly and having a projected end aligned within
the spacing between both the side portions and the planer portions
of the projecting portions, the projected ends of the tabs engaging
the peripheral rim when the lid is positioned to cover the
container opening, said tabs spaced from one another and positioned
within the spacing defined by the projecting portions with the
peripheral rim engagement being visible laterally between the side
portions to form a tamper-evident assembly.
14. A package as in claim 13 wherein said container rim comprised
an outwardly projecting bead on its periphery.
15. A package as in claim 14 wherein the projecting portions
further comprise an inwardly facing surface, said surfaces each
having an inwardly projecting ridge for engaging an underside
surface of the outwardly projecting bead portion of the peripheral
rim.
16. A package as in claim 13 wherein the wrapping portions of the
projection portions are curved and conform to the peripheral rim of
the container.
17. A package as in claim 14 wherein the projected ends of the tabs
an underside surface of the outwardly projecting bead portion of
the peripheral rim.
18. A package as in claim 13 wherein the peripheral rim portion of
the container defines an internal sidewall, and wherein the body
portion of the lid comprises an inner wall for contacting the
internal sidewall of the peripheral rim portion when the lid is
positioned on the container opening.
19. A package as in claim 13 further comprising a measuring well
formed within the lid body, the measuring well having a defined
volume for measuring a portion of the product stored within the
container.
20. A package as in claim 19 wherein the measuring well is formed
within a bottom surface of the lid body, the well facing inwardly
towards the interior volume of the container when the lid is
positioned on the container opening.
21. A package as in claim 20 wherein the lid body further comprises
an inner wall formed for engagement with the internal sidewall of
the peripheral rim when the lid is positioned on the container
opening, the measuring well being spaced inwardly from the inner
wall.
22. A package as in claim 21 wherein the measuring well comprises a
plurality of sidewalls formed in a rectangular profile.
23. A package as in claim 22 wherein two opposing sidewalls of the
rectangular profile of the measuring well are spaced inwardly from
the internal sidewall at a greater distance than the other two
opposing sidewall portions of the rectangular profile.
24. A package as in claim 13 further comprising a stacking ridge
formed on an upper surface of the lid for retaining a secondary
package stacked on an upper surface of the lid.
25. A package as in claim 24 wherein the stacking ridge is formed
by a plurality of ridge members, with individual ridge members
formed on a corresponding projecting portion.
26. A package as in claim 13 wherein the lid body further comprises
an inner wall formed for engagement with an internal sidewall of
the peripheral rim, and a measuring well formed within a bottom
surface of the lid body, the measuring well spaced inwardly from
the inner wall.
27. A package as in claim 26 wherein the inner wall portion forms a
nesting shoulder, the nesting shoulder dimensioned to receiving a
corresponding nesting shoulder of a secondary lid for a nested
stacking of the lid and the secondary lid.
28. A closure lid for use in covering an opening formed within a
container for storing product, the opening defined by a peripheral
rim formed on an projecting sidewall and an outwardly projecting
peripheral bead formed around the opening, the closure lid
comprising: a body adapted to cover the opening; the body
comprising a measuring well having a defined volume for measuring
product stored within the container, the measuring well formed on
an inside surface of the body, an inner wall formed for engagement
with the internal surface of the projecting sidewall of the
container, the measuring well being spaced inwardly from the inner
wall and defined by a plurality of sidewalls formed in a
rectangular profile, wherein two opposing side wails of the
rectangular profile being spaced inwardly from the inner wall at a
greater distance than the other two opposing sidewall portions of
the rectangular profile, wherein the spacing of the measuring well
from the inner wall forms a gripping member on an outside surface
of the body for handling the closure lid; a plurality of projecting
portions extending from a periphery of the body, the projecting
portions spaced from one another around the periphery, each
projecting portion having an upper surface portion and a connected
side surface portion, the upper portions and side portions of the
projections adapted to overlap and surround the adjacent portion of
the container rim and corresponding portion of the peripheral bead;
a ring frangibly connected to the side portions of the plurality of
projecting portions, the ring adapted to surround in a spaced
relationship the external sidewall; and a plurality of retaining
fingers, the fingers spaced from one another and interleaved within
the spacing between adjacent projecting portions, the fingers
projecting inwardly from the ring toward the inner wall and each
having a projected end adapted to engage the external sidewall and
the peripheral bead associated with the container rim, wherein the
engagement of the fingers are laterally exposed through the spacing
between the side portions of the projecting portions and the
projected ends of the fingers are vertically exposed through the
spacing between the upper portions of the projecting portions, and
wherein the fingers are removed along with the ring upon frangible
disconnection of the ring from the projecting portions.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a package including the
combination of a container and an overcap or closure lid structure.
The overcap is formed for sealing an opening defined by a rim
within a container. Preferably, the overcap includes structures
providing taper evidence for the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Containers have been used for a variety of products,
including food products, cleaning products, etc. Containers may be
constructed of any number of materials. One container example
includes a composite body portion and a lip or rim, with the
material rolled to form a peripheral bead adjacent an external
sidewall. A closure lid or overcap may further be provided for
closing the container opening. In an alternative example, the
containers rim may include an end ring, fixed to the container body
and forming a retaining bead.
[0003] Container overcaps typically fit over the container top end
or opening. The overcap serves many functions including, but not
limited to, protecting the top of the container from damage,
preventing or deterring unwanted access into the container,
maintaining the product within the container and preventing
spilling, helping to improve stacking of the containers, and
increasing the useful life of the product after opening.
[0004] Overcaps may also be provided with means for deterring
tampering with the container contents prior to use by a consumer
and/or may be provided with means for indicating that tampering may
have occurred.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,154 to Von Holdt shows a snap-on,
flexible lid having spaced panel portions on the sidewall flange of
the lid having inwardly projecting structures that are positioned
to engage the bead of the container rim. Vertically aligned tear
lines are provide on the side edges of the panel portions for
separation of the panels from the remainder of the lid flange for
ease of flexing the panel portions away from engagement with the
container bead.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,554 to Edwards shows a tamper evident
lid structure having an outer ring attached to the sidewall flange
of the lid. The tamper evident portions are provided at various
locations within an inverted u-shaped channel. The ring is provided
with a hook member and includes a barb for retention on the bead of
the container rim. An opening in the sidewall is provided at the
location of the hook member. The ring may be removable by a tearing
action, which also removes the hook members.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,918,360 to Mengeu et al shows a container
and overcap combination for a microwavable container, wherein the
overcap includes a skirt portion having at least one flexible
member therein for releasable engagement with a bead on the rim of
the container. The members may be flexed outwardly to release
engagement with a bead on the container. An opening is provided in
the top of the skirt portion, adjacent each member, providing
access to the flexible member.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,245 to Nelson shows a tamper resistant
container lid having a band surrounding the container bead
engagement structures. The band forms a tear strip and is separated
into a plurality of spaced tabs having spurs formed on the inside,
inwardly directed surfaces. Removal of the band separates the spurs
and exposes a bead engagement structure on the lid.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,774 to Mumford shows a tamper evident
snap-on cap having an outer skirt for engagement of a beaded rim on
a container and an integral tear strip for tamper evidence. An
inwardly positioned annular wall forms a plug for engagement with
the interior surface of the container rim.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a closure lid is
defined for use in covering a container having opening defined by a
peripheral rim, an external sidewall and an outwardly projecting
peripheral bead. The closure lid includes a body formed to cover
the container opening. Multiple projecting portions extend from a
periphery of the body. The projecting portions are spaced from one
another around the periphery of the body with each projecting
portion adapted to surround a portion of the container rim and a
corresponding portion of the bead. A ring is frangibly connected to
the plurality of projecting portions. The ring is adapted to
surround container rim. Multiple retaining fingers or tabs are
spaced from one another and are interleaved within the spacing
between adjacent projecting portions. The fingers project inwardly
from the ring and are formed to engage the external sidewall of the
container and the bead associated with the container rim. The
engagement of the fingers with the container is visible through the
spacing between the projecting portions. The engagement of the
fingers is removed upon the frangible disconnection of the ring
from the projecting portions.
[0011] In a further aspect of the closure, the projecting portions
may include, on an inwardly facing surface thereof, an inwardly
projecting ridge for engaging the bead portion of the container
rim. The projecting portions may be curved and further may be
formed for wrapping around the container rim.
[0012] In a further aspect of the closure lid, the body may be
formed for contacting the internal sidewall of the container rim.
The body may include a measuring well having a defined volume for
measuring product stored within the container. The measuring well
is preferably formed on an inside surface of the body. Further, an
inner wall may be provided as part of the closure body for
engagement with an internal sidewall of the container rim. The
measuring well may be spaced inwardly from the inner wall and may
include a plurality of sidewalls. The sidewalls may create the well
with a rectangular profile. Two of the opposing sidewalls of the
rectangular profile of the measuring well may formed so as to be
spaced inwardly from the inner wall at a greater distance than the
other two opposing sidewall portions of the rectangular
profile.
[0013] In a further aspect of the closure lid, the inner wall
portion of the body may be formed with a nesting shoulder that is
dimensioned to receive a corresponding nesting shoulder of a second
lid for the purpose a stacking of two or more lids. Further, a
stacking ridge may be formed on an upper surface of the lid for
retaining a secondary package stacked on an upper surface of the
lid. The stacking ridge is preferably formed by a plurality of
ridge members, with the individual ridge members being positioned
on a corresponding projecting portion.
[0014] In a further aspect of the closure lid, the body portion may
be formed with a substantially planer surface. The body surface
extends over the opening and is preferably dimensioned to overlap
at least a portion of the container rim.
[0015] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a package is
defined from the combination of a container and a closure lid. The
container includes an opening providing access to an interior
volume of the container. The container opening is preferably
defined by an upstanding peripheral rim. The closure lid preferably
covers the container opening when engaged on the peripheral rim on
the container. The lid includes a body portion formed to cover the
container opening and a rim engagement structure. The engagement
structure may include a plurality of projecting portions formed to
engage the rim and to removably retain the lid in a covering
relation with the container opening. A ring is frangibly affixed to
projecting portions and encircles the rim of said container. A
plurality of tamper-evident tabs project from an inside surface of
the ring. The tabs are angled inwardly from the ring and extend a
sufficient distance so as to engage the container rim. The tabs are
spaced from one another and are interleaved within the spaces
between the projecting portions. The tabs are positioned such that
the tab and container rim engagement is visible through the spacing
of the projections and the tabs form a tamper-evident assembly.
[0016] In a further aspect of the package, the container rim
includes an outwardly projecting bead on its periphery. The
projecting portions may further include an inwardly facing surface,
said surfaces each having an inwardly projecting ridge for engaging
the bead portion of the container rim. The projecting portions are
preferably curved and wrap over the container rim.
[0017] In a further aspect of the package, the tabs are formed to
project into a contacting engagement with an underside surface of
the projecting bead on the container rim. The rim portion of the
container may further define an internal sidewall. A well may be
formed on one surface of the lid body, with the well having a
defined volume for measuring product stored within the container.
The well may further be formed on an inside surface of the lid
body.
[0018] In a further aspect of the package, the lid body may include
an inner wall formed for engagement with the internal sidewall of
the container rim. The measuring well may be formed in an inwardly
spaced relation to the inner wall. The measuring well may further
include a plurality of sidewalls formed in a rectangular profile.
The two opposing sidewalls of the rectangular profile of the
measuring well may be spaced inwardly from the inner wall at a
greater distance than the other two opposing sidewall portions of
the rectangular profile.
[0019] In a further aspect of the package, a stacking ridge may be
formed on an upper surface of the lid for retaining a secondary
package stacked on an upper surface of the lid. The stacking ridge
is preferably formed by a plurality of ridge members, with the
individual ridge members formed on a corresponding projecting
portion. An inner wall portion of the body of the lid may further
form a nesting shoulder, dimensioned to receive a corresponding
nesting shoulder on a secondary lid for a stacking of the lids.
Alternatively, the lid body may form a substantially planer surface
that extends across the container opening and the overlaps with at
least a portion of the container rim.
[0020] Other features of the present invention and combinations of
features will become apparent from the detailed description to
follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings
show one or more forms that are presently preferred. It should be
understood that the invention is not limited to the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a package in a form
contemplated by the present disclosure, the package having a
container and an overcap/closure lid exploded therefrom.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of an overcap embodiment
of the type shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 3A shows a top plan view of the overcap embodiment of
FIGS. 1-2.
[0025] FIG. 3B shows a bottom plan view of the overcap embodiment
of FIGS. 1-2.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a first cross sectional view of the overcap as
taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3B.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a further cross sectional view of the overcap
as taken along offset line 5-5 in FIG. 3B.
[0028] FIG. 5A shows an enlarged portion of the cross sectional
view in FIG. 5.
[0029] FIG. 5B shows an enlarged second portion of the cross
sectional view in FIG. 5.
[0030] FIG. 6A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
package embodiment with a cross section being taken to expose
various structures.
[0031] FIG. 6B is enlarged perspective cross sectioned view of a
further portion of the package embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 7A shows an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of
two overcaps stacked on top of one another.
[0033] FIG. 7B shows an enlarged, partial cross sectional view of a
second container stacked on the upper surface of an overcap
attached to a first container.
[0034] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS.
1-7 with a tear strip portion being separated from the other
portions of the structure.
[0035] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the overcap of FIG. 8
with the tear strip fully removed.
[0036] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
overcap embodiment with the tear strip removed and a cross section
being taken to expose various structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] In the figures, where like numerals identify like elements,
there is shown an embodiment of a package formed by the combination
of a container and overcap or closure lid. In FIG. 1, the container
is designated by the numeral 10 and the overcap is designated by
the number 12. The container 10 includes a sidewall 14 that, along
with the bottom wall (see item 72 in FIG. 7B), defines an internal
storage volume for a product or the like. An opening 16 is provided
at the upper end of the sidewall 14. The opening 16 is defined by a
rim 18, which is shown to include an outwardly projecting bead 20
formed thereon. An external surface 22 is formed below the bead 20
and an internal sidewall 24 is provided inside of the rim 18. The
overcap 12 is formed to be secured to the rim 18 of the container
10 and to cover the opening 16.
[0038] The overcap 12 includes a central body portion 26 and a
surrounding skirt 28. The central body portion is preferably
dimensioned to extend across and cover the opening 16. The skirt
portion 28 includes a rim engagement structure 30 and a tamper
evident structure 32. The rim engagement structure 30 is shown to
include a plurality of projections 34 that extend outwardly from
the body 26 and that curve over or around the rim 18 of the
container 10. The tamper evident structure 32 is formed by a
frangible ring 36 and plurality of inwardly directed tabs 38.
[0039] Further specifics of the overcap 12 are shown in detail
within FIGS. 2.-5 The projections 34 that form the container rim
engagement structure 30 as shown are equal in size, are preferably
similar in form and are equidistantly spaced from one another. The
spaces or opening s are labeled with the numeral 40. It is
contemplated that the size of the projections and the spacing
between adjacent projections may vary as desired for an engagement
of the overcap on the container. The material of the overcap and
the form and function of the adjacent structures of the overcap are
among the factors to be considered in sizing the projections.
[0040] In the top view of the overcap 12 in FIG. 3A, the tabs 38
are shown to be visible through the openings 40 and are located
between adjacent projections 34. A similar interleaving of the tabs
38 and projections 34 is shown in the bottom view of FIG. 3B. In
the drawings, the tabs are shown each as being similarly formed. It
is contemplated that variations in form and dimension of the
multiple tabs provided may be utilized for adjusting the engagement
force and position on the container by the tabs.
[0041] In the bottom view of FIG. 3B, a ridge structure 42 is shown
as being formed on an inside surface of the projections 34. The
ridge structures 42 engage underneath the bead 20 of the container
rim 18 (see FIG. 1). The ridge 42 engagement of the bead 20 is
further shown in FIG. 6A. The flexibility of the projections and
the form and dimensions of the ridge structures are among the
factors to be considered in defining the amount of force required
for removal of the overcap from the rim of the container.
[0042] The cross section of the overcap 12 in FIG. 4 is taken
through the skirt 28 at a position of the openings 40 and the tabs
38. As shown, the tabs 38 are attached at their base to the ring 36
and project upwardly at an angle from an inside surface 44 of the
ring 36. The different location for the cross section of FIG. 5
shows the formation of the ridge 42 on the inside of the projection
34 on the left (also see FIG. 5A) and the alternate structure on
the right of the tab 38 within the opening 40 between the
projections 34 (also see FIG. 5B).
[0043] The body 26 of the overcap includes a central measuring well
46 surrounded by an inner wall 48. The inner wall 48 extends
upwardly from a base wall 50 and connects to a peripheral flange
52. The plurality of projections 34 extend from the peripheral
flange 52. In the form shown, the peripheral flange 52 is
relatively short, wrapping over only a portion of the upper surface
of the container rim (18), with the projections forming the major
portion of the rim engagement structure 30.
[0044] The base wall 50 separates the well 46 from the inner wall
48. In addition, the various side walls of the well 46 as shown are
formed to create a generally rectangular profile, as particularly
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The first two opposing sidewalls 54, 56
of the well are shown as being relatively straight. The sidewalls
54, 56 are relatively straight and are elongated, as compared to
the second set of opposing sidewalls 58, 60. As shown, the second
sidewalls 58, 60 are outwardly curved (as seen from the top view of
FIG. 3A). The sidewalls 54, 56, 58 and 60 are each tapered such
that the base of the rectangular form is larger than the top end.
The difference in the sidewall length (and form) results in a
difference in form and size of the base wall 50, adjacent the well
walls, and further results in different spacing between the well
sidewalls and the inner wall 48 of the overcap body 26. The spacing
between walls 54, 56 and the inner wall 48 is contemplated to be
sufficient for a gripping access on the outer surface of the well
46, for handling of the overcap 12. It should be noted that the
sidewalls of the well may have any number of forms, including a
straight, curved or complex form. The curvatures in the sidewalls
may be either convex or concave. In addition, the well may be
circular, elliptical or similarly curved. The well may further be
supported on the upper or lower surface of the body, without
creating a surrounding trough as shown (see, for example, FIGS. 5A
and 5B). In FIG. 3B, the internal volume of the well 46 is more
particularly shown. The height and width of the well may also be
varied as desired.
[0045] This well volume is defined by the sidewalls 54, 56, 58 and
60 and the central portion 62 of the body 2 6e The well volume is
also defined (in part) by the cross sections of Figs, 4 and 5. In
forming the overcap 12, it is contemplated that the sidewalls be
sized and positioned to define a desired volume for measuring a
portion of the product (not shown) to be stored in the container
(10). The user removes the overcap 12 from the container 10 and
inverts the cap 12 to expose the well 46. The well 46 may then be
filled with a portion of the product contents within the container
10. The fixed or known volume of the well 46 serves as a measure
for further use of the product portion.
[0046] In FIGS. 6A and 6B there is shown in partial cross section
the engagement of the skirt 28 of the overcap 12 with the rim 18 of
the container 10. In FIG. 6A, the cross section of the overcap 12
is taken through a projection 34. The top surface or chime of the
rim 18 is engaged with the upper portion of the projection 34,
along with the peripheral flange 52. The projection 34 curves over
the rim 18, with its inside surface generally in contact with the
bead 20. The ridge 42 formed on the inside surface of the
projection 34 is engaged under the bead 18, to secure the overcap
12 on the container rim 18. In FIG. 6A, the ring 36 is shown as
attached to the lower edge of the projection 34. In the related
view of FIG. 10, the ring 36 is removed from the overcap 12 and
thus is separated from the projection 34.
[0047] In FIG. 6B, the cross section of the overcap 12 is taken
through the tab 38 formed within the space or opening 40 between
adjacent projections 34. The top surface or chime of the rim 18 is
engaged by the peripheral flange 52. The opening 40 exposes the
outwardly projecting bead 20 on the container rim 18. The tab 38 is
formed on the inside surface 44 of the ring 36. The tab 38 is
angled upwardly from the ring 36 and extends to a position of
engagement with the external surface 22 of the container sidewall
14. The projected end of the tab is chamfered to form a contacting
surface for the container surface 22 and further to engage under
the bead 20. Preferably, the tab 38 and related structures are
formed to provide an engagement force between the tab 38, the
sidewall surface 22 and the bead 20.
[0048] In FIG. 6B, the ring 36 is shown attached to the lower edge
of the adjacent projection 34. When the ring 36 is removed (see
FIGS. 8-10) from the overcap 12, the formed tabs 38 are also
removed form engagement with the container 10. Once the ring 36 and
tab structures 38 are separated from the remaining portions of the
overcap 12, the cap is selectively removable by a user from the rim
18 and container opening (16).
[0049] The inner wall 48 of the overcap body 26 is shown as being
formed for engagement with the internal sidewall surface 24,
opposite of the bead 20 on the container rim 18. In the manner, the
inner wall 48 forms a seal with the rim 18 of the container 10
(see, for example, FIGS. 6A and 6B). As particularly shown in FIG.
7A, the inner wall 48 includes an inwardly directed step or
shoulder 66, with an additional angled portion 68 connecting to the
base wall 50. The step 66 forms means for stacking together two (or
more) overcaps 12A, 12B. The dimensional position of the step
corresponds to the position of the peripheral flange 52. Hence, the
two caps 12A, 12B are nested together, with sufficient spacing for
relatively easy separation. This spaced, nesting relationship may
have advantages for shipment of a quantity of overcaps for
subsequent handling and attachment to containers.
[0050] In FIG. 7B there is shown a stacking relationship between a
first container 10A and overcap 12 combination and a second
container 10B. A retaining ridge 70 is formed on the upper surface
of the projection 34, adjacent the peripheral flange 52. The series
of ridges on the plurality of projections 34 form a retaining ring
on the upper surface of the cap 10A to deter lateral movement of
the stacked second container 10B. As shown, the sidewall 14 of the
second container 10B is attached to a bottom wall 72 and forms a
container base. The base is positioned inside of the retaining
ridge and rests on the surface of the cap, created by the
projection 34 and flange 52.
[0051] In FIGS. 8-10 there is shown the removal of the ring 36 from
the plurality of projections. The frangible attachment structure 74
is shown in the various cross sections, such as FIG. 5A, and is
essentially a thinned or reduced thickness location at the end of
the projection 34. The overcap 12 is contemplated to be integrally
molded from a thermoplastic (or thermosetting) polymer material,
such that the body 26, projections 34, ring 36 and tabs 38 are
formed in a single mold and preferably with a single "shot" of
material. As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the ring 36 is attached to each
projection 34 and forms a barrier below the openings 40 between
spaced projections 34. The thinned material form permits a tearing
action between the ring and the projections. However, the formed
connection, prior to tearing separation, is contemplated to be
strong enough to withstand shipment and handling of the overcap and
the package (once the overcap is secured to the container).
Further, the overcap is dimensionally formed and is sufficiently
flexible such that the tabs will flex into and engaged position on
the rim when the overcap is initially placed on the container.
[0052] A start-up element or gripping tab 76 is provided on the
ring 34, as shown in, for example, FIG. 2. Preferably, the start-up
tab 76 is easily separated from the adjacent portion of the ring
36, so as to start the linear separation of the ring 36 from the
projections 34, as shown in FIG. 8. The inner tabs 38 are removed
with the ring 36, partially releasing the overcap 12 for final
removal from the rim 18 of the container. As shown in FIGS. 9 and
10, once the ring (36) is removed, the projections form the skirt
28' for securing the overcap 12 to the container rim 18.
[0053] The alignment of the fingers or tabs within the spaces
between adjacent projections creates advantages in use of the
overcap, as well as in the formation of the overcap. In use, the
openings permit visual inspection of the tabs. The tabs are
provided to retain the overcap on the container. Preferably, the
tabs create a sufficient retention force with the rim (and bead) of
the container such that the overcap cannot be readily
removed--prior to removal of the ring--without causing visible
damage to tabs, overcap or container. The materials used to form
the overcap and the dimensions and angular position of the tab
members are intended to create an adaptive structure, providing a
securing force against the container. The tabs must be separated
from the outside wall of the container a sufficient distance to
clear the bead of the container rim. In addition, multiple tabs are
required to be separated from the container rim, before removal may
(potentially) be accomplished. Preferably, the amount of movement
required by the tab will cause a plastic deformation of one or more
of the tabs, at their base connection to the ring member. Hence, a
visible sign of tampering is provided. In addition, in the
preferred structure, the engagement force of the tabs against the
outside surface of the container, secures the overcap in position,
accounting form dimensional variations in the container (and
formation of the overcap). In addition, the dimensions of the
overcap preferably cause the projected tip (end) of the tabs to
engage under the bead of the container rim. Containers having a
rolled rim or an added bead structure may include a slot-like
formation for receipt of the tips of the tabs for further securing
the overcap in position.
[0054] The tabs are provided for tamper resistance, maintaining the
overcap on the container prior to separation of the ring. In
addition, the visibility of the tabs provides an indication of
tampering, such as the attempted removal of the overcap from the
container. An initial inspection of the tabs at the time of
purchase of the package should indicate that the tabs are engaged
with the container and that the tabs have not been removed or
otherwise distorted. Once the frangible ring has been separated
from the overcap, the tabs are also removed. The overcap may then
be lifted off of the container rim and access is provided to the
contents of the container.
[0055] Removal of the overcap from the container, after separation
of the ring and the associated tab members, is accomplished by
separating the projections from the rim. If an inner wall is
provided that engages the inside wall of the container rim,
sufficient force is required to overcome any frictional engagement
between the two. In addition, the ridge members need to be
separated from under the projection of the bead on the rim, The
flexing of the projections may be performed as part of lifting the
overcap as a whole or the projections may be individually flexed to
incrementally separate portions of the overcap around its
circumference. The form of the well or body of the overcap may
further provide a grasping surface during lifting of the overcap
away from the rim. The spacing between the inner wall and the
sidewalls of the well member provides finger access to form the
grasping task.
[0056] In manufacturing the overcap, an injection molding process
is preferred. As a result of interleaving the tabs and projections,
mold part access is provided from both above and below the cap
body. Preferably, no vertical overlap of the parts is provided.
This type structure is illustrated in the top view of FIG. 3A.
Space is provided around the perimeter of the tabs, which is
visible through the openings between the spaced projection
portions. This type structure may be formed with two mold parts,
without the need for moving mold parts during the formation
process. Because of there is no vertical overlap, the two mold
haves can be separated from above and below the molded part. In
this formation process, the ridge structures provided on the inside
surface of the projections are contemplated to be limited in the
amount of inward projection and formable using normal molding
techniques.
[0057] The present invention has been described and illustrated
with respect to one or more exemplary embodiments. It should be
understood by those skilled in the art from the foregoing that
various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein,
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention, with the scope of the invention being described by the
foregoing claims.
* * * * *