U.S. patent application number 16/855743 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-29 for selectively openable closure for a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Berry Global, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Berry Global, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jordan Robert French, Steven Daniel Gift, Seth A. Tempel, John A. Vassallo.
Application Number | 20200339323 16/855743 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004823863 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200339323 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
French; Jordan Robert ; et
al. |
October 29, 2020 |
Selectively Openable Closure for a Container
Abstract
A closure for a container, and more specifically a closure that
is selectively openable and/or lockable providing, for example, one
or more child resistant opening features is disclosed.
Inventors: |
French; Jordan Robert;
(Evansville, IN) ; Tempel; Seth A.; (Evansville,
IN) ; Vassallo; John A.; (Lititz, PA) ; Gift;
Steven Daniel; (Lititz, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Berry Global, Inc. |
Evansville |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Berry Global, Inc.
Evansville
IN
|
Family ID: |
1000004823863 |
Appl. No.: |
16/855743 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62837327 |
Apr 23, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2251/0078 20130101;
B65D 50/06 20130101; B65D 2251/0021 20130101; B65D 51/18 20130101;
B65D 41/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/18 20060101
B65D051/18; B65D 41/04 20060101 B65D041/04; B65D 50/06 20060101
B65D050/06 |
Claims
1. A package, comprising: a container defining a product storage
region; and a closure coupled to the container and having an
opening in the closure that is in communication with the product
storage region to allow contents of the product storage region to
be dispensed through the closure opening; wherein the closure
includes a lid and a base, wherein the lid is selectively openable
and closeable relative to the base by a first user input; and a tab
coupled to the base and having a tab attachment portion that forms
a locked position with a lid locking protrusion coupled to the lid;
wherein the tab includes a pair of tab stems defining a tab
aperture disposed between the tab stems, and the tab aperture is
configured to receive the lid locking protrusion when the closure
is in the closed and locked positions; wherein the tab attachment
portion is movable by a second user input from the locked position
to an unlocked position in which the lid is movable from a closed
position to an open position relative to the base; and wherein the
tab attachment portion is moved from the locked position to the
unlocked position by deflecting the tab stems, and the tab stems
are biased toward the locked position from the unlocked
position.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein the lid is coupled to the base
by a hinge that allows rotational movement of the lid relative to
the base.
3. The package of claim 1, wherein the lid locking protrusion is
disposed between a first bumper and a second bumper.
4. The package of claim 1, wherein at least one lip extends in a
vertical direction on at least one side of the tab.
5. The package of claim 4, including a first lip and a second lip
that are flush with an outer circumference of the closure base,
extend in the vertical direction, and are disposed on opposite
sides of the tab.
6. The package of claim 5, wherein the first lip and second lip
extend upwardly from the base.
7. The package of claim 6, wherein the first lip partially blocks
the first bumper when in the closed position.
8. The package of claim 7, wherein the second lip partially blocks
the second bumper when in the closed position.
9. The package of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ribs
adjacent the closure opening.
10. The package of claim 9, wherein the plurality of ribs is
configured to funnel a pill away from the closure skirt and toward
the closure opening.
11. A closure, comprising: a lid and a base, wherein the lid is
selectively openable and closeable relative to the base by a first
user input; an opening in the base that is configured to allow
contents of a container to be dispensed through the opening; and a
tab coupled to the base and having a tab attachment portion that
forms a locked position with a lid locking protrusion coupled to
the lid; wherein the tab includes a pair of tab stems defining a
tab aperture disposed between the tab stems, and the tab aperture
is configured to receive the lid locking protrusion when the
closure is in the closed and locked positions; wherein the tab
attachment portion is movable by a second user input from the
locked position to an unlocked position in which the lid is movable
from a closed position to an open position relative to the base;
and wherein the tab attachment portion is moved from the locked
position to the unlocked position by deflecting the tab stems, and
the tab stems are biased toward the locked position from the
unlocked position.
12. The closure of claim 11, wherein the lid is coupled to the base
by a hinge that allows rotational movement of the lid relative to
the base.
13. The closure of claim 11, wherein the lid locking protrusion is
disposed between a first bumper and a second bumper.
14. The closure of claim 11, wherein at least one lip extends in a
vertical direction on at least one side of the tab.
15. The closure of claim 14, including a first lip and a second lip
that are flush with an outer circumference of the closure base,
extend in the vertical direction, and are disposed on opposite
sides of the tab.
16. The closure of claim 15, wherein the first lip and second lip
extend upwardly from the base.
17. The closure of claim 16, wherein the first lip partially blocks
the first bumper when in the closed position.
18. The closure of claim 17, wherein the second lip partially
blocks the second bumper when in the closed position.
19. The closure of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of ribs
adjacent the closure opening, wherein the plurality of ribs is
configured to funnel a pill away from the closure skirt and toward
the closure opening.
20. A package, comprising: a container defining a product storage
region; and a closure coupled to the container and having an
opening in the closure that is in communication with the product
storage region to allow contents of the product storage region to
be dispensed through the closure opening; wherein the closure
includes a lid and a base, wherein the lid is selectively openable
and closeable relative to the base by a first user input; and a tab
coupled to the base and having a tab attachment portion that forms
a locked position with a lid locking protrusion coupled to the lid;
wherein the tab attachment portion is movable by a second user
input from the locked position to an unlocked position in which the
lid is movable from a closed position to an open position relative
to the base; and wherein the tab attachment portion is moved from
the locked position to the unlocked position by deflecting the tab,
and the tab is biased toward the locked position from the unlocked
position.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/837,327 filed
Apr. 23, 2019, which is expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a closure for a
container, and more specifically to a closure that is selectively
openable and/or lockable providing, for example, one or more child
resistant opening features.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is often desirable to make a container selectively
openable by providing a closure for the container. For example, the
closure may be selectively opened and closed and may include a
locking or blocking feature that makes it more difficult or
resistant to opening by a child.
SUMMARY
[0004] Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure
provide a selectively openable closure for a container. Some
embodiments may provide a closure that is resistant to opening by
including two separate motions or user inputs to open, for
example.
[0005] In one aspect, for instance, a package may be provided,
comprising a container defining a product storage region. A closure
may be coupled to the container and have an opening in the closure
that is in communication with the product storage region to allow
contents of the product storage region to be dispensed through the
closure opening. The closure may include a lid and a base. The lid
may be selectively openable and closeable relative to the base by a
first user input. A tab may be coupled to the base and having a tab
attachment portion that forms a locked position with a lid locking
protrusion coupled to the lid. The tab may include a pair of tab
stems defining a tab aperture disposed between the tab stems, and
the tab aperture is configured to receive the lid locking
protrusion when the closure is in the closed and locked positions.
The tab attachment portion may be movable by a second user input
from the locked position to an unlocked position in which the lid
is movable from a closed position to an open position relative to
the base. The tab attachment portion may be moved from the locked
position to the unlocked position by deflecting the tab stems, and
the tab stems are biased toward the locked position from the
unlocked position.
[0006] In another aspect, for instance, a closure may be provided,
comprising a lid and a base. The lid may be selectively openable
and closeable relative to the base by a first user input. an
opening in the base may be configured to allow contents of a
container to be dispensed through the opening. A tab may be coupled
to the base and having a tab attachment portion that forms a locked
position with a lid locking protrusion coupled to the lid. The tab
may include a pair of tab stems defining a tab aperture disposed
between the tab stems, and the tab aperture is configured to
receive the lid locking protrusion when the closure is in the
closed and locked positions. The tab attachment portion may be
movable by a second user input from the locked position to an
unlocked position in which the lid is movable from a closed
position to an open position relative to the base. The tab
attachment portion may be moved from the locked position to the
unlocked position by deflecting the tab stems, and the tab stems
are biased toward the locked position from the unlocked
position.
[0007] In yet another aspect, for instance, a package is provided,
comprising a container defining a product storage region. A closure
may be coupled to the container and having an opening in the
closure that is in communication with the product storage region to
allow contents of the product storage region to be dispensed
through the closure opening. The closure may include a lid and a
base, wherein the lid is selectively openable and closeable
relative to the base by a first user input. A tab may be coupled to
the base and having a tab attachment portion that forms a locked
position with a lid locking protrusion coupled to the lid. The tab
attachment portion may be movable by a second user input from the
locked position to an unlocked position in which the lid is movable
from a closed position to an open position relative to the base.
The tab attachment portion may be moved from the locked position to
the unlocked position by deflecting the tab, and the tab is biased
toward the locked position from the unlocked position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The detailed description particularly refers to the
accompanying figures, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a package that includes a container and a
child-resistant closure in a closed position;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the package of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a first side view of the package of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the package of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a first side cross-section view of the
package of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a second side cross-section view of the
closure of FIG. 5;
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective cross-section view of
the closure of FIG. 6;
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the package of
FIG. 1, shown in an open position;
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment
of a closure in an open position;
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of the package
of FIG. 8 in an open position, with the closure shown in partial
transparency to illustrate an exemplary attachment mechanism using
threaded engagement between the closure and a container;
[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates a second side view of the package of
FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a back view of the package of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the closure
of FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 14 Illustrates a top perspective view of the closure of
FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 15 illustrates another top perspective view of the
closure of FIG. 9; and
[0024] FIG. 16 illustrates a front perspective view of the closure
of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not
all embodiments are shown. As used in the specification, and in the
appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0026] The terms "substantial" or "substantially" may encompass the
whole as specified, according to certain embodiments, or largely
but not the whole specified according to other embodiments.
[0027] Some embodiments of a package 5 such as shown in FIG. 1 may
include a container or bottle 10 and/or a closure 20. If included,
container 10 may include a side wall 11, a floor 12, and/or a
shoulder 13, any or all of which may substantially define a product
storage region 19 in container 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). Package 5 is
shown in FIG. 1 in an exemplary closed position with closure 20
attached, coupled, and/or fastened to container 10. For example,
closure 20 may snap on or screw on to container 10. Closure 20 may
be configured so that a user may selectively open or remove closure
20 from container 10 to provide package 5 in an open position so
that, for example, the user may access contents of container 10
and/or package 5. Closure 20 may be provided such that a user may
selectively reclose container 10 and/or package 5 by reclosing,
reconnecting, or reattaching closure 20 to container 10.
[0028] Closure 20 may include a lid 110 that is selectively
openable relative to a closure base 120 by one or more user inputs,
and/or selectively closeable relative to closure base to provide
the closed and/or locked position shown in FIGS. 1-7. For example,
a user may provide an opening input and/or open lid 110 relative to
base 120 by rotating lid 110 upwardly relative to base 120 about a
hinge 130. To prevent or inhibit unwanted opening of lid 110, for
example, or for any other reason or for any combination thereof,
package 5 and/or closure 20 may include a locking mechanism such as
a mechanical stop formed between a portion of lid 110 and a tab
140. Tab 140 may include a feature that prevents upward movement or
rotation of lid 110 relative to tab 140, for example, until a user
actuates and/or moves tab 140 out of blocking engagement and/or
from a locked position to an unlocked position. Closure 20 and/or
base 120 may include one or more lips, such as first lip 128 and/or
second lip 129 for any of a variety of reasons, including, but not
limited to, providing additional security and/or protection of the
closure around tab 140, and/or for aesthetic purposes. If included,
either or both of lips 128, 129 may extend upwardly from base 120.
Alternatively, either or both lips 128, 129 could extend downwardly
from lid 110, or one lip 128 or 129 could extend upwardly from base
120 while the other lip 129 or 128 could extend downwardly from lid
110, for example.
[0029] Lid 110 may include a cover 111 and/or a lid skirt 112 that
prevent, inhibit, and/or block access to product storage region 19
when in the closed position shown in FIGS. 1-7. Base 120 may
include a first bumper 121 and/or a second bumper 122 for any of a
variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, protecting tab
140 and/or preventing or inhibiting accidental actuation of tab
140, providing a structure with a more gradual transition of outer
diameter or perimeter or height to that of tab 140, and/or to
provide a more pleasing aesthetic. Package 5 may be configured so
that a user can hold container 10 in one hand, provide a first
input by pushing, pulling, or moving tab 140 radially outwardly
relative to lid 110 and/or base 120 to unlock or unblock lid 110
from upward movement or rotation, and provide a second input by
pushing, pulling, moving, or rotating lid 110 from the closed
position to the open position, for example, by pushing or pulling
upwardly on lid 110 to cause rotation of lid 110 about hinge
130.
[0030] FIGS. 5-7 show package 5, closure 20, and/or components
thereof in a closed position and in cross-section to illustrate
additional features. For example, closure 20 may couple, connect,
and/or attach to container 10 by an attachment mechanism such as a
permanent or semi-permanent attachment. For example, closure 20 may
have a lip, bead, or protrusion engaged to snap fit with a
corresponding, lip, bead, or protrusion of container 10. The
threaded engagement between neck threads 15 on container neck 14
and base threads 125 on closure base 120 are shown as an example of
an alternative attachment mechanism. Other attachment mechanisms
may be included instead of or in addition to snap fit and/or
threaded engagement, such as friction fit and/or integral formation
of closure 20 and container 10, for example. Base 120 of closure 20
may include an outer skirt 123 and/or one or more ribs 124 for any
of a variety of reasons. For example, ribs 124 may include one or
more features that facilitate attachment or coupling to container
10, and/or outer skirt 123 may provide a more gradual transition of
closure 20 to container 10, may protect radially inward features,
and/or may provide a more pleasing aesthetic.
[0031] Lid 110 may open from an end or area opposite hinge 130, for
example, diametrically opposed hinge 130, to facilitate opening of
lid 110 relative to base 120, or for any other reason or
combination of reasons. Lid 110 may include a lid locking
protrusion 114 at or near the end or area opposite hinge 130,
and/or locking protrusion 114 may project in a radial direction
and/or be configured to form a mechanical stop with a corresponding
feature of tab 140, such as a tab attachment portion 142 that may
include, for example, a tab aperture, tab protrusion, and/or inward
edge. While in the closed position and in a resting state, tab
attachment portion 142 may radially overlap and/or extend radially
inwardly over lid locking protrusion 114, and/or be provided in a
locked position such that tab attachment portion 142 inhibits or
prevents upward movement of lid locking protrusion 114 relative to
tab attachment portion 142 and consequently inhibits or prevents
lid 110 from rotating or moving to an open position relative to
base 120. Tab 140 may be coupled, attached, and/or integrally
formed with base 120 to facilitate locking of lid 110 in the closed
position. Tab 140 may be coupled or attached to base 120, and/or
integrally formed therewith, for example, by one or more tab stems
143, which may extend downwardly from tab 140 and/or be disposed
radially between tab attachment portion 142 and a tab outer tip
141. A tab aperture may be formed between tab stems 143, which may
form and/or be included in tab attachment portion 142, for example,
by providing a location for insertion of lid locking protrusion 114
in combination with the inward edge of the top of tab 140.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, tab stems 143 may form a deflectable
and/or cantilever style structural element that, for example, is
separated from base 120 on its sides but connected at the bottom to
facilitate outward and/or downward deflection of tab 140 and/or tab
attachment portion 142 when tab 140 is subject to a user input such
as pushing downwardly and/or outwardly on tab 140 as indicated by a
first user input, for example push force P. Push force P and/or
other user input may move tab 140, tab attachment portion 142,
and/or closure 20 from the locked position to an unlocked or
unblocked position in which tab attachment portion 142 is out of
vertical alignment with lid locking protrusion 114 to allow upward
motion of lid 110 relative to base 120. From the unlocked position,
a user may provide a second input and/or a flip force or flip
motion F to lift and/or rotate lid 110 from the closed position to
an open position shown for example in FIGS. 8 and 9. In the open
position, lid 110 may substantially allow access to product storage
region 19. A user may release or remove push force P allowing tab
140 to move or rotate inwardly back into the locked position, which
may be the resting state of tab 140 when push force P and/or other
user input is removed. Lid 110 may be rotated or moved downwardly
from the open position toward base 120 to reclose lid 110 back into
the closed position. To facilitate closing of lid 110 to base 120
in the absence of push force P or the like, tab 140 and/or lid
locking protrusion 114 may include one or more angled surfaces or
cam surfaces to facilitate tab 140 and lid locking protrusion
sliding passed one another during the movement or rotation from the
open position to the closed position. Tab 140 may be biased toward
the locked position, for example, by a spring-like action of one or
more tab stems 143 that may be provided by a tendency of tab stems
143 to return to their original shape from a deflected shape
provided in the unlocked position.
[0033] Base 120 may include an inner base rim 127 that may define
an opening through base 120 into product storage region 19, via an
opening in container neck 14, when base 120 is coupled to container
10, as shown for example in FIGS. 8 and 9 (see also, FIG. 5). Base
120 may include inner base rim 127 and/or an outer base rim 126,
for example, either or both of which may be configured to cooperate
with lid 110 to form a more secure close between lid 110 and base
120. For example, lid 110 may include a plug 115, which may for
example be a downwardly depending structure or ring from cover 111
to seal or better seal lid 110 to base 120 when closure 20 is in
the closed position.
[0034] Package 5 and/or closure 20 may be provided in an open
position such as is shown in FIG. 10, for example, with closure 20
in an open position with lid 110 rotated relative to base 120 about
hinge 130. Lid locking protrusion 114 is shown with a relatively
flat or horizontal upper surface and a relatively angled or cam
lower surface, which may facilitate, for example, forming the
mechanical stop preventing upward movement while forming a cam
surface facilitating downward movement relative to tab 140 as
discussed above.
[0035] FIGS. 11 and 12 show package 5 in additional detail. FIG. 11
illustrates a second side view opposite the first side view
illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 12 illustrates a rear or back view of
package 5 opposite the front view, to show, for example, hinge 130
in additional detail. FIGS. 13-16 illustrate closure 20 in various
views to show additional detail of closure 20. Closure 20 may
include one or more ribs 124 for any of a variety of reasons. For
example, ribs 124 may be located adjacent the opening in base 120
and/or may facilitate forming a more secure and/or plug fit with
container 10 and/or container neck 14. Ribs 124 may provide
structural rigidity to closure 20. Ribs 124 may help funnel pills
out of container 10 without the pills getting stuck on surrounding
ledges, for example. Ribs 124 may be configured to help funnel
pills or other contents, for example, by being substantially
equally spaced and/or similarly sized and shaped. In some
embodiments, for example, between about 10 and 30 ribs may be
included, and/or between about 20 and 30 ribs may be included,
and/or between about 20 and 25 ribs may be included.
[0036] The lid locking protrusion 114 may be disposed between the
first bumper 121 and the second bumper 122, and/or may be located
radially inwardly of an outer edge of either or both of first
bumper 121 and second bumper 122. Either or both of first lip 128
and second lip 129 may extend in a vertical direction on at least
one side of the tab 140. Either or both of first lip 128 and second
lip 129 may be flush with an outer circumference of the closure
base, such as at an outer edge or surface of outer skirt 123, may
extend in the vertical direction, and/or may be disposed on
opposite sides of the tab, as shown for example in the various
figures. While the first lip 128 and second lip 129 are shown
extending upwardly from the base, it is understood either or both
may extend downwardly from the lid 110. The first lip 128 may
partially block the first bumper 121 when in the closed position,
as shown for example in FIG. 11. The second lip 129 may partially
block the second bumper 122 when in the closed position, as shown
for example in FIG. 3.
[0037] It is understood that package 5 and/or any component thereof
may be made of any of a variety of materials, including, but not
limited to, any of a variety of suitable plastics material, any
other material, or any combination thereof. Suitable plastics
material may include, but is not limited to, polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP),
polystyrene (PS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density
polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE),
crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET), mixtures and
combinations thereof, or any other plastics material or any
mixtures and combinations thereof. It is understood that multiple
layers of material may be used for any of a variety of reasons,
including to improve barrier properties, or to provide known
functions related to multiple layer structures. The multiple
layers, if included, may be of various materials, including but not
limited to those recited herein.
[0038] It is further understood that package 5 or any component
thereof may be substantially rigid, substantially flexible, a
hybrid of rigid and flexible, or any combination of rigid,
flexible, and/or hybrid, such as having some areas be flexible and
some rigid. It is understood that these examples are merely
illustrative, are not limiting, and are provided to illustrate the
versatility of options available in various embodiments of package
5.
[0039] It is further understood that any of a variety of processes
or combination thereof may be used to form package 5 and/or bottle
or container 10, any component thereof, or any layer or substrate
used therein. For example, any component, layer, or substrate, or
combination thereof, may be thermoformed, injection molded,
injection stretch blow molded, blow molded, extrusion blow molded,
coextruded, subjected to any other suitable process, or subjected
to any combination thereof. In some embodiments, container 10
and/or any component thereof may be formed substantially of
injection stretch blow molded PET, although other materials and
forming processes may be used instead of or in addition to PET and
injection stretch blow molding, respectively. Various materials
and/or processes may be used to form package 5 and/or any component
thereof as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
In some embodiments, bottle 10 may be substantially a one-piece
design and/or substantially formed as an integral or unitary
structure.
[0040] These and other modifications and variations may be
practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope, which is more particularly set forth in
the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that
aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or
in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example
only, and it is not intended to limit the scope of that which is
described in the claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the
appended claims should not be limited to the exemplary description
of the versions contained herein.
* * * * *