AU5638098A - Closure - Google Patents

Description

1

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant/s: Actual Inventor/s: Address of Service: Invention Title: Johnson Johnson Research Pty. Limited Stephen J. MOHARY, Craig M. SAUNDERS, Jesse P.

CARLSON and Milton R. DALLAS.

SHELSTON WATERS MARGARET STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000

"CLOSURE"

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- (File: 20612.00) la Cross Reference to Related Application This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application Number 601058,296 filed on 9 September 1997 and is a continuation-in part of United States Application Number (Attorney Dkt. No. JBP 419) filed on 21 January 1998 to Mohary et al., entitled 'Dispensing Container", both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of closures for containers and more particularly tapered closures.

Background of the Invention The vast majority of dispensing containers in use today are sized to be used by adults. Young children have much smaller hand sizes, and accordingly, it is difficult for them to handle and effectively dispense prod !ct from containers that were designed to be used by adults. Conversely, it would be difficult for an adult to use a dispensing container that was specifically designed for use by small children.

Another related problem with conventional containers is that they are designed for dispensing products by adults, the amount of force required to express product from the container is commensurate with the strength of the adult hand. Children and the elderly, being weaker than most adults, have less force available to dispense products. Therefore, it would be desirable for r -container to have a low required dispensing force in order for the container to be preferred by those lacking great hand strength.

In conventional packaging for toiletries, products are often packaged for storage in an upright orientation, in which the closed end of the container is oriented below its open end, as when the container is positioned when being filled with product to be contained therein. While such products are frequently stored in an upright configuration, product is often dispensed from the container in an inverted orientation. Containers typically have a certain hold-up, a volume of product that is not conveniently dispensed because of contact with the container walls. The amount of hold-up is accentuated in containers in which the product is 10 stored in one orientation and used in the opposite orientation. This problem is further accentuated in the case of viscous products such as shampoo.

Another problem with conventional containers is that they may slip from the hands, particularly when the hands are wet. This is especially a problem for toiletry containers that are typically used in the bath by small children, such as shampoo and body wash products.

One closuLre design that is particularly suitable for providing inverted packages with a stable platform is the taper closure. However, due to the geometry of these closures, their manufacture is inherently difficult. More S" specifically, these closures must remain in their molds for an extended duration of time in order to completely cool their thickest areas, or if prematurely ejected from the mold, these closures often will form irregular "sinks" or depressions in their exterior surfaces.

It is, accordingly, an object of the invention to provide a dispensing container that is designed to fit comfortably in the hands of both small children as well as adults.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a container 3 that requires minimum force to dispense products therefrom so as to be preferred for use by those lacking great hand strength.

It is a further object of the invention to provide containers with design features that prevent the container from slipping from the users' hands, particularly when their hands are wet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a container which is stable for storage in an inverted configuration so as to minimize the hold-up of the contents of the container, particularly when used for the storage of viscous liquid products.

10 It is yet another object of the invention to provide a container which is ergonomically effective for use by children and adults while containing surfaces which facilitate labeling of the container.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a tapered closure with minimal surface defects that permits the storage of containers containing such closures in an inverted position.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with this invention, there is provided a tapered closure comprising, consisting essentially of, andfor consisting of: a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side 4 wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a tapered closure comprising, consisting essentially of, and/or consisting of: a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side 10 wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.

Yet another aspect of this invention is directed to a tapered closure comprising, consisting essentially of, and/or consisting of: a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference; b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall, and c) a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for making closures comprising, consisting essentially of, and/or consisting of: molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of forming a closure containing 5 a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference; b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface, Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for making closures comprising, consisting essentially of, and/or consisting Of of: molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of forming a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for making closures comprising, consisting essentially of, and/or consisting of: molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of forming a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further 6 comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter; b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface; and c) a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.

Due to the unique characteristics possessed by the tapered closure of the present invention, both the percentage of closures having surface S sinks" or other surface defects as well as the closure production cycle time are significantly reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages 4: will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1A is a front plan view of a preferred structure of the container of this invention.

FIG 1 B is a side plan view of the container of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a front plan view of the container of FIG. 1 A showing section lines A-A through F-F.

FIG 2A through FIG. 2F are horizontal cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 1 C taken along lines A-A through F-F, respectively, and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are front plan views of containers of this invention having finger gripping means.

7 FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment of the container of FIG. 1 A.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C are front, side and rear plan views, respectively, of the container of FIG. 1 A fitted with a liquid dispensing closure.

FIG. 6A is a front plan view of the container of FIG. 1A fitted with an alternate reverse taper liquid closure.

FIG. 68 is a front plan view of the container of FIG. 6A in an inverted orientation.

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the container of FIG. 1 A fitted with a 10 closure containing an aerosol pump dispenser.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of another example of the container of the invention with a neck finish adapted for dispensing powders.

FIG 9 is the container of FIG. 8 fitted with a closure.

FIG. 10A is a top plan view of the neck finish of the container of FIG.

8.

FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C are top plan views of the closure of the container of FIG. 9 showing the closure in the open and closed position, respectively.

FIG. 11 is a graph of the force (Ibs) required to discharge liquid from a valved container of this invention versus the volume (ml) of liquid discharged.

FIG. 12A and FIG 128 are front and side views, respectively of a container used for packaging of commercially available childrens' toiletries.

FIG. 13 shows a side view of the container of the invention in an inverted position supported by supports positioned in the recesses of the ~e~ea~sar~e~f~ossrssr~p~p~ikl~- -8container but not in contact with the panels of the container.

FIG 14 shows a hand-held container of the invention held in position for dispensing product from the container.

FIG 15A shows another embodiment of the container of the invention with a reverse taper closure containing a valve and a lid in the open position.

FIG 15B shows the container of FIG 158 with the lid in the closed position.

FIG 16A and FIG 16B show the closure of the container of FIG and FIG 15B in cross-section with the lid in the open and closed positions, respectively.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the tapered closure of the present invention with the lid in the closed position; FIG. 18 is a left side elevational view of the closure of FIG. 17; FIG. 19 is a right side elevational view of the closure of FIG. 17; FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the closure of FIG. 17; V FIG. 21 is a front elevationai view of the closure of FIG. 17; the rear elevation being a mirror image; FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the closure of FIG. 17; FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 17 shown with the lid and the extension member in the fully open position; FIG. 24 is a top plan view of FIG. 23; FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 23 shown with the lid in the open position; FIG. 26 is a top plan view of FIG. 23; 9 FIG. 27 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view of the closure taken along line of FIG. 24, and looking in the direction of the arrows; FIG. 28 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view of the closure taken along line of FIG. 24, and looking in the direction of the arrows, but with the absence of a channel.

FIG. 29 A is a vertical cross sectional view of the closure shown in an alternate embodiment with an unrecessed stage. FIGS. 298 is a vertical cross sectional view of the closure shown in alternate, channel-free embodiment having a recessed stage. FIGS. 29C and 29D are alternate 10 embodiments havin. both a recessed stage and a channel of varying width.

FIG. 30A and 30B are top views of alternate embodiments of the :closure having a triangular and square shape, respectively.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the closure having a bar and clasp locking mechanism.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the closure having a snap-fit connecting portion that connects the closure to a neck of a container- FIG. 33 is a vertical cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an inverted, channel-free closure having a top surface circumference that is smaller relative to its bottom surface circumference.

FIG. 34 is a vertical cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an inverted closure having a channel and a top surface circumference that is smaller relative to its bottom surface circumference.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments As used herein, the term "upright orientation" shall mean that the 10 closed end of the container is below the open end of the container, as when the container is positioned when being filled with product to be contained therein. Conversely, the term "inverted orientation" shall mean that the closed end of the container is positioned above the open end. Similarly, the term "sideways orientation' shall mean that the container is in an orientation that is intermediate the upright and inverted orientations. This orientation description is merely used for convenience in describing the orientation of the container and is not meant to imply the orientation of the container during storage and dispensing of products therefrom. As will be described subsequently, various embodiments of the containers of the invention may be used in either an upright or an inverted orientation.

S: The basic form of the invention is shown by the container in an upright orientation in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, which is generally designated 6.

The container 6 contains an open end 1 and a closed end 2. The closed end 2 of the container 6 preferably has a surface 21 that permits the container 6 to remain standing when placed on a flat surface in an upright orientation. The open end 1 of the container 6 contains a neck 3 which defines an opening 20 in the container. The neck contains a neck finish 4 adapted to mate with a closure (not shown) for the container. The neck 20 finish shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 B is a threaded finish, although any of the •other finishes known in the art may be used with the containers of the invention. By way of example, other suitable finishes include, but are not limited to, a press-fit finish, a snap-on finish, a snap and turn finish or an oriented thread finish as disclosed in, for example, The Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology, 172-85 (1986) [hereinafter "Wiley"].

The open end 1 of the container 6 further comprises a shoulder which connects the neck 3 to the body 22 of the container. The body 22 of the container contains an upper body portion 7 adjacent the open end 1 11 which is preferably cylindrical in cross-section. The upper body portion 7 of the container 6 preferably has a circumference, as measured normal to the longitudinal axis 23 of the container 6, which may range from about 4.7 inches, to about 6.0 inches, more preferably from about 5.0 inches to about 5.7 inches, and most preferably, from about 5.2 inches to about 5.7 inches.

The upper body portion 7 preferably has a substantially constant circumference for a length down the longitudinal axis of the container 6 of at least about 0.2 inches.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 A, the upper body portion 7 transitions to a central body portion 8, which is located below and proximate to the upper body portion 7 along the longitudinal axis 23. In transitioning from the upper body portion 7 to the central body portion 8, the container 6 continually increases in circumference and begins to assume more of a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Proceeding down the longitudinal axis of 15 the container 6, the circumference of the container continues to increase until the region of maximum circumference 9, after which preferably the circumference of the container 6 continually decreases. The region of maximum circumference marks the transition from the central body portion 8 to the lower body portion 10 of the container 6 adjacent its closed end 2.

20 While the longitudinal length of the upper body portion 7, the central body portion 8, and the lower body portion 10 may vary depending upon the desired use of the container 6, the ratio of the lengths of the central body portion to the upper body portion preferably ranges from about 1.2: 1 to about 6 and more preferably ranges from about 1.75 1 to about 5 1.

The ratio of the lower body portion to the upper body portion preferably ranges from about 1 1 to about 3 1, and more preferably, from about 1.2: 1 to about 2.5 1.

The variation of the cross-sectional shape and circumference of the 12 container 6 along its longitudinal length is depicted in FIGS. 2A through 2F.

Each of these Figures depicts the approximate cross-sectional shapes of the container 6 along section lines A-A through F-F, respectively, illustrated in FIG. 1 C. We have unexpectedly found that the variation in circumference of the container along its longitudinal axis permits the same container that is ergonomically advantageous for use by small children to be comfortably held and used by larger children and adults.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 B, the body portion 22 of the container 6 comprises a front 11, a rear 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14. The front 11 of the container contains a first recess 15 and the rear of the container contains a second recess 16. The recesses are adjacent the closed end 2, the first side 13 and the second side 14 of the container 6.

The first recess 15 and the second recess 16 define a first panel 17 and a second panel 18 on the front and rear of the container, respectively. Each of the recesses has a depth 19, as shown in FIG. 1B. The depth of the recess 15, for example, is the distance, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, from a projection line 21 projected from the closed end 2 of the container 6 to the panel 17 of the container. As shown in FIG. 13, the recesses have a depth sufficient to permit the container 6 to be held by a first support 71 positioned tangentially in the recess 15 on the front 11 of the container 6 and a second support 72 positioned in the recess 16 on the rear 12 of the container 6 when the container is in an inverted orientation; the supports do not actually contact the panels of the container. We have surprisingly found that the depth of these recesses is effective in providing an anti-slip feature to the container when the container is being handled in either an inverted or sideways orientation, particularly when the container is wet, as it might be when used to contain and dispense cleansing toiletries such as body cleansers and shampoos that are used in the shower or in the 13 bath.

The depth of the recess may be of any thickness desired and may depend on, for example, the desired end use of the container and the contents stored therein. The depth of the recess is preferably varied at different locations on the container, and more preferably is at its deepest proximate to the closed end 2 of the container and gradually reduces in the longitudinal direction towards the open end 2 and proximate to the first side 13 and the second side 14. Preferably the depth of the recesses ranges from about 2.0 mm to about 3.4 mm, and more preferably from about 2.5 mm 1o to about 2.9 mm. While such depths are preferred as providing a container having effective anti-slip properties, it is to be understood that other recess depths may be produced to satisfy a particular need and yet fall within the scope of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the recesses are not adjacent the open 15 end of the container and thus render a "U shaped" exterior frame to the panels. Absence of a recess near the open end 1 permits users of the container to freely slide their hands over substantially the entire length of the first and second panels from the bottom of the panels nearest the closed end 2 of the container to the open end 1 of the container to seek out that 20 portion of the container which has a circumference most commensurate with the user's hand size.

The dimensions and structural features of the containers of the invention enumerated above are believed to permit the containers of the invention to be easily gripped and handled by both adults and young children in an ergonomically preferable manner. As will be discussed subsequently, these dimensions and features are believed to account for the perceived preference of consumers in terms of handleability of the containers of the invention relative to prior art containers.

14 As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the panels 17 and 18 are recessed relative to the sides 13, 14, and closed end 2 of the container. Although the size, shape and geometry of the panels may vary depending upon the desired end use of the container, it is preferable that the first panel 17 and second panel 18 are identical in size, shape and geometry. The panels have a major dimension in the direction from the open end 1 to the closed end 2 of the container, in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 23 of the container, and a minor dimension in the direction from the first side to the second side of the container, generally normal 0:o 10 to the longitudinal axis 23. The length of the panel is defined as the distance from that point of the recess 15 closest to the bottom of the container 24, point 30, to the top 29 of the upper body portion 7 of the container.

The panels 17, 18 have surfaces 27 and 28 that may either be 15 substantially flat or curved. If the panel surfaces are curved, it is preferred that the curve extends in only a single dimension and is substantially straight in the other dimension. For example, the container of the invention depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1 B have panels 17, 18 that are curved in their minor dimension but are substantially straight in their major dimension.

ee. 20 More preferably, the panels are substantially straight in their major dimension for a distance, based upon the longitudinal length of the panel, of at least about 50 percent of their longitudinal length, and even more preferably for a distance of at least about 65 percent of their longitudinal length. We have found that this panel geometry is especially favorable to permit labeling or decorating the container in its panel sections by either printing or by adhering of an adhesive-backed label to the container. In the case of printing, absence of curvature in two dimensions over a substantial portion of the panel permits firm contact of a print roll to that portion of the 15 panel. Likewise, in the case of adhesive labeling, absence of curvature in two dimensions over a substantial portion of the panel permits adhering an adhesive label to the panel without wrinkling the label.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show alternate embodiments of the containers of the invention in which the containers have optional raised lateral protrusions or depressions 26 in their sides in order to provide means for enhancing the grip of a user's fingers around the container. Alternatively, the containers of the invention may contain a combination of both protrusions and depressions. Although FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate only lateral, 10 protrusions and circular depressions, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the container of the present invention may possess protrusions, depressions, and or other grip-enhancing means such as rubber or polymeric sections molded or adhered to the container, of any shape, size and amount in order to enhance the user's grip of the container.

15 FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the container of FIGS. 1A and 1B, wherein the contained volume of the container of FIG. 4 is about one half of the contained volume of the container of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the container 6 of the present invention is fitted with a closure 39 to contain and dispense the 20 products contained therein. One skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the type of closure suitable for use in the present invention would depend upon various factors, such as the form of the product in the container, the desired form in which the product is to be dispensed, and the degree of convenience to be provided to the consumer.

Any of the closures known in the art may be used with the containers of the present invention, including but not limited to those disclosed in Wiley.

16 In the case of containers used for the storage and dispensing of liquids, the simplest form of closure would be a conventional cap of one piece construction which must be removed from the container in order to dispense product therefrom; however, the use of a closure which need not be removed from the container in order to dispense product therefrom is preferred.

An example of a container 6 fitted with a closure 39 for dispensing liquid products is illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C. which depicts the container of FIGS. 1A and 1 B fitted with a commercial hinged closure.

10 Other suitable closures include those well-known in the art including, but not .limited to: 1) those containing a lid and body in which the lid is completely removable from the body of the closure; 2) those having a lid that is slidably connected to the body of the closure; 3) those not having a lid such as the push-pull type and the flip-spout type of closures, as disclosed in, for 15 example, Wiley.

Closure 39 comprises a body portion 31 and a lid portion 32 hingedly connected to the body portion via hinge 33. Body portion 31 contains an orifice (not shown) through which product may be dispensed. Lid portion 32 contains a pin on its underside (not shown) which is sized to fit tightly into 20 the orifice of body portion 31. When the lid portion 32 is in its closed position, the pin contacts the body portion 31 so as to seal the container and thus prevent dispensing of its contents. Body portion 31 may contain an optional recess 34 in order to permit easy opening of the closure by positioning a finger in the recess 34 under a portion of the lid 35 and subsequently applying force to the underside cf the lid.

Closure 39 has a base 36 adjacent the upper body portion of the container and a top 37 remote from the base 36. Closure 39 has a substantially uniform circular circumference from its base 36 to its top 37 17 which is substantially equal to the circumference of the upper body portion of the container.

Another novel feature of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.

5C. Closure 39 preferably has a top surface 38 which permits storage of the container in an inverted orientation. As the contents of the container are depleted, storage of the container in the inverted orientation permits the remaining contents of the container to collect at the container's open e id rather then at its closed end, thereby permitting the dispensing of substantially the entire contents of the container and virtually eliminating the problem of 'hold up" for more viscous contents. Preferably, both the closed end of the container and the top end of the closure have surfaces that S permit the container to be stored in either an upright or inverted orientation.

Another embodiment of the container of the present invention is shown in an upright and inverted orientation in FIGS. 6A and 6B, 15 respectively. The closure 40 has a base 41 adjacent the upper body portion of the container and a top 42 remote from the base 41. The base 41 has a substantially circular circumference which is substantially equal to the circumference of the upper body portion 7 of the container. The closure is tapered such that the circumference of the closure increases from the S: 20 base 41 to the top 42 of the closure. Such closures are referred to herein as 'reverse taper" closures. The degree of taper may vary depending upon the desired end use of the container and the desired aesthetic effect. The closure 40 has a top surface 43 which permits the storage of the container in an inverted orientation. The larger circumference at the top of the tapered closure confers added stability to the container when it is stored in an inverted orientation.

In another preferred embodiment, the closure used in the containers of the invention may contain a valve as illustrated in FIGS. 15A. Illustrative 18 examples of suitable valves for use in the containers of the invention include, but are not limited to those disclosed in U.S. 5,439,143, U.S.

j 4,749,108 and U.S. 4,846,810, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Such valves are generally designed to open at pressures exceeding a certain threshold pressure, thereby allowing product to be released from the container, and to close at pressures below the threshold pressure, thereby restraining the release of product from the container. The minimum value of the threshold pressure of the valve is dictated by the need for the valve to contain the contents of the container when the container contents exhibit the maximum head pressure, when the container is full. The head pressure of the container contents, in turn, depends on the density of the contents and the geometry of the container.

In practice, the practical minimum threshold pressure is somewhat higher than the head pressure in order to accommodate slight pressure changes that may occur in the container as it is handled when discharge of the contents is not desired. The maximum value of the threshold pressure is dictated by the need to have the valve open when the container is squeezed by its intended users. In the containers of the invention, the valves must be activatable not only by adults, but also, by children andior the elderly who have relatively weaker hand strength.

With containers made of resilient materials, the application of a squeezing force to the outside of the container provides a pressure inside the container that exceeds the threshold pressure, thereby permitting product to be released from the container. Discontinuing or sufficiently reducing the squeezing force reduces the pressure inside the container to below the threshold pressure, thereby both allowing the valve to close and restraining the release of product from the container. This feature is particularly important for applications in which the container will be 19 frequently used in the inverted orientation.

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FIGS. 15A and 15B and FIGS. 16A and 16B show a container of the invention with a reverse taper closure 85 that contains a lid 84 and a valve The lid 84 is hingedly connected to extension member 86 via hinge 83.

Lid 84 contains a stopper 82 on its underside that mates with protruding orifice ring 81 of the closure 85_ When in use and in a position ready to dispense product, lid 84 is in the retracted position as shown in FIG. In storage and during shipment, lid 84 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 15B. When in the closed position, stopper 82 on the underside of lid 10 84 is mated with protruding orifice ring 81, thereby preventing inversion of valve 80 and release of product therefrom. Closure 85 has a circumference at its bottom 88 adjacent the upper body portion of the container that is substantially equal to the circumference of the upper body portion of the container. Closure 85 is tapered, the circumference at its top 87 being larger that at its bottom 88. The larger circumference at the top 87 of the closure 85 provides added stability to the container in storage .n the inverted orientation.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 17 -27, the upper portion of the tapered closure 85 possesses a stage 91, a channel concentric therewith that extends around the outer circumference of the stage 91, and peripheral upper closure side walls 92 concentric with both the stage 91 and the channel 90. The upper closure side walls 92 extend around the outer circumference of the channel 90. As shown in more detail in FIG. 27, the stage 91 is comprised of an upper stage surface 113; peripheral stage side walls 114 that are concentric with the upper stage surface 113 and integral with both the upper stage surface 113 and the lower closure side walls 108; and a lower stage surface 97.

The upper closure side walls 92 extend from the top surface 93 of the 20 closure to the bottom of channel 90, or in channel-free embodiments, to the upper stage surface 113. Typically, the height of the upper closure side walls 92, as determined along the longitudinal axis, A, of the closure as shown in FIG. 18, may range, based upon the total height of the closure, H, as shown in FIG. 21, from greater than about 0 percent to less than about 100 percent, preferably from greater than about 20 percent to less than about 90 percent, and more preferably from greater than about 50 percent to less than about 70 percent. Although the thickness of the upper closure side walls 92 may vary depending upon the size of the closure desired, closure impact strength desired, and the amount of time available for the closure to properly cool upon molding, the thickness typically may vary from .about .38 mm (.015 inches) to about 2.03 mm (.080 inches), preferably from about .76 mm (.03 inches) to about 1.52 mm (.06 inches), and more preferably from about 1.02 mm (.04 inches) to about 1.27 mm (.05 inches).

Although the width of the channel 90 may vary depending upon the size of the closure desired, closure impact strength desired, the amount of time available for the closure to properly cool upon molding, and the stage width desired, the width of the channel 90 is typically inversely proportional to and preferably smaller than the width of the stage 97. More preferably, the width of the channel 90, as determined along the plane of the upper stage surface 91, is at least about 1.65 mm (.065 inches). FIGS. 29C and 29D illustrate two embodiments of the closure 85 having channels 90 of varying widths.

In a preferred embodiment, the channel 90 possesses at least one aperture 94 that enables water and/or product residue to drain from the channel 90, and when the closure is secured to a container, to the shoulder of the container. This feature prevents the collection of residue on the stage surface 91 andlor drainage of contaminating residue back into the 21 container.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 23, the stage 91 is recessed from the top surface 93 of the upper closure walls 92. The depth of the stage recess 200 is the distance along the longitudinal axis, A, of the closure as shown in FIG. 18, from the upper stage surface 113 to the top surface 93 of the upper closure side walls 92. Although the depth of the stage recess 200 may vary depending upon the size of the closure desired, closure impact strength desired, distance required for operation of desired dispenser mechanism, and the amount of time available for the closure to 10 properly cool upon molding, typically the depth may range from, based upon the total height of the closure, H, from about greater than 0 percent to about less than 100 percent, preferably from about 20 percent to about percent, and more preferably from about 30 percent to about 50 percent as shown in FIG. 21. In a more preferred embodiment wherein the tapered closure 85 is a dispensing closure, the depth is such that will enable the desired dispenser reclose mechanism to operate while remaining recessed below the top surface 93. See FIG. 17.

As indicated by in FIG. 18, the degree of taper of the tapered closure 85 may range from less than about 900 to greater than about 20 preferably from about 85° to about 45°, and more preferably from about 800 to about 55° relative to the normal, as indicated as of the longitudinal axis, of the closure As shown on FIG. 27, the lower portion of the tapered closure possesses peripheral lower closure side walls 108 that extend from the bottom of the channel 90, or the upper stage surface 113 in channel-free embodiments, to the lower closure side wall bottom surface 111. The lower closure side walls 108 are integral with the upper closure side walls 92 such that, when the closure 85 is externally viewed, the side walls 92,108 appear

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22 as one uniform peripheral wall 131. In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 22, the lower side walls 108 are of a thickness such that the lower stage surface 97 is visible in a bottom plan view of the closure. Although the thickness and the height of the lower closure side walls 108 may vary depending upon the size of the closure desired, closure impact strength desired, and the amount of time available for the closure to properly coo! upon molding, the thickness typically is from about 1.91 mm (.075 inches) to about .38 mm (.015 inches), and preferably from about 1.27 mm (.050 inches) to about .89 mm (.035 inches) and the height, as determined along the longitudinal axis, A, of the closure shown in FIG. 18, is, based upon the overall height of the closure, H, from greater than about 0 percent to less than about 100 percent, preferably greater than about 10 percent and less than about 80 percent, and more preferably from greater than about percent to less than about 50 percent.

15 Integral with the lower stage surface 97 is a connecting portion 107 of the closure that is adapted to receive the neck of a container. Any means .for affixing and securing the closure to a container may be employed. Such means are well-known to those of skill in the art and include, but are not limited to a threaded means that enables the closure to be threaded onto 20 the threaded neck of a container as shown in FIG. 27, a snap-fit bead as shown in FIG. 32, and those aforesaid mentioned herein.

In a preferred embodiment wherein the closure 85 is a dispensing closure, the closure may contain any of the dispensing mechanisms aforesaid mentioned herein. FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate one preferred dispensing mechanism comprising a stopper 82 and dispensing orifice 122 located in the upper stage surface 113, whereby the stopper 82 is located on a lid 84 attached to the closure 85 via a dual living hinge assembly.

More specifically, plug 99 is located on the lower surface of extension 23 member 86, which is hingedly connected with the thin upper closure walls 92 via first living hinge 101. Lid 84 contains stopper 82 on its lower surface that securedly mates with protruding orifice ring 81. To operate the second living hinge 83, plug 99 securedly mates with aperture 102 on the stage surface 113. Hinge 83 is a living hinge that enables the lid 84 to be in the open position (see FIG. 25 and 26) or in the closed position (see FIG. 17).

Although the shape of either the plug 99 and the aperture 102 are not critical, it is preferable to use a plug with an end 120 such as a bead or flange having a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the aperture 102. These dimensions will enable the plug 99 to securedly "lock" or "snap" into the throat 121 of the aperture 102. Other suitable securing mechanisms include the bar 140 and clasp 141 means as shown in FiG. 31.

Although the means:for attaching the !id 84 to the closure 85 is not critical, the dual living hinge assembly advantageously prevents removal of 15 the lid 84 from the remainder of the closure 85. Other means for connecting the lid 84 to the closure 85 are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, ball and socket assemblies and the like as disclosed in Wiley.

The lid 84 should be adapted to occlude the dispensing orifice 122 when the lid 84 is in the closed position. To this end the stopper 82 should S. 20 be received inside of the throat 123, preferably in a compression fit to effect a tight seal. While the actual shape and design of the stopper 82 and the dispensing orifice 122 are not critical, cylindrically-shaped stopperc 82 and rounded dispensing orifices 122 with cylindrical throats 123 are preferred.

Preferably, the orifice ring 81 is of a substantial height to permit cleaner dispensing that is less prone to dripping.

Detents 103 integral with the outer edges of the lid 84 enable the lid 84 to be locked in the open position by virtue of the frictional fit of the detents 103 against the upper closure side walls 92 as shown in FIGS. 18, 24 and 26. The shape of the detents 103 are not critical; however, the width, W, of the lid 84 at the area of the detents is preferably of a width that is sufficiently larger than the width of the upper closure side walls opening 130 at the area of hinge 101 in order to enable the detents 103 to securely lock the lid 84 in a retracted position as shown in FIGS. 25 26.

In a more preferred embodiment wherein a valve is secured within the throat 123 of the dispensing orifice 122, the container may be stored in the inverted position with the lid 84 in the retracted position as shown in FIG. 15A. As a result, the container may be stored and used in such an inverted position without reclosing the lid 84, as shown in FIG 15B, between uses. Although any valve known in the art for controlling the flow of materials that may be dispensed through the closure may be used, the valve described in U.S. Patent No.: 5,377,877, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, is preferred.

As also shown in FIG. 24, valves 98 may be incorporated into the closures via methods known in the art including but not limited to retaining the valve in the closure by mechanical means, as, for example, by the use of a retaining ring that snaps in place against the body of the closure. See U.S. 5,377,877. Alternatively, the valve and closure may be integrally 20 formed, as, for example, by multi-injection or co-injection molding of disparate materials comprising the closure and the valve. Methods for coinjection molding are described, for example, in U.S. 5,523,045 and in the Modem Plastics Encyclopedia, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1990, which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

As shown in FIG. 28 and FIG 29B, another embodiment of the tapered closure 85 of the present invention includes a stage 91 and upper closure side walls 92 concentric with the stage 91, but is without a channel In this embodiment, the upper closure side walls 92 extend integrally 25 upward around the outer circumference of the upper stage surface 113.

As shown in FIG. 29A, yet another embodiment of the tapered closure 85 of the present invention includes an unrecessed stage 91, a channel 90 concentric therewith that extends around the outer circumference of the stage 91, and thin upper closure side walls 92 concentric with both the stage 91 and the channel The closures described herein may be made into any shape desired such as those having a squared horizontal cross section or a triangular horizontal cross section as depicted in FIG.30A and FIG. 30B, respectively, with those having a more rounded, circular-shaped or oval-shaped horizontal cross section being preferred. More specifically, FIG. illustrates a closure 160 having a rounded upper stage surface 161 and upper closure side walls (not shown) having a triangularly-shaped top surface 162, whereas FIG. 30B illustrates a closure 170 having a rounded 15 upper stage surface 171 and upper closure side walls (not shown) having a square-shaped top surface 172. Similarly, while the shape of the stage S• surface, as viewed from a top plan view of the closure, is not critical, those having a more rounded, circular-shaped or oval-shaped circumference are preferred.

20 Although it is preferred that the top surface 93 circumference of the upper closure side walls 92 be larger than the bottom surface 111 circumference of the lower closure side walls 108, i.e. a 'reverse" tapered closure, an alternative embodiment of the closure as shown in FIG. 33 is an inverted, channel-free closure 155 having a closure top surface 151 circumference that is smaller than its bottom surface 152 circumference.

FIG. 34 shows a similar inverted closure 155 but with a channel 153. Unlike the embodiment shown in, for example, FIG. 24, wherein the channel 90 is visible from the top plan view, channel 153 of closure 155 in FIG. 34 is not 26 visible from a top plan view but rather from a bottom plan view (not shown) of the closure 155. The upper stage surface 154 of the closure 155 in both FIGS. 33 and 34 remains visible in a top plan view (not shown).

FIG. 6B illustrates the container of FIG. 6A in an inverted orientation.

It will be noted that the container exhibits a generally "exclamation-point' shape in the inverted orientation. The container dimensions are such that small children can conveniently and comfortably grip the container near its upper body portion 7, while larger children and adults may comfortably grip the container at its central body portion 8 or at its lower body portion lo The container 6 is preferably of a size and shape to permit an adult with average-sized hands to grasp the container at its widest point 9 by holding the rear of the container in the palm of the hand such that the thumb and ;fingers can contact the sides of the container and at least partially contact the front of the container.

15 The containers and closures of the invention may be comprised of any material that may be formed into the shape desired and which is inert to the materials contained therein. Preferred materials include any resilient polymeric material commonly used in the container-making art including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride based resins, 20 polyethylene terephthalate, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

"Copolymers," as used herein shall mean any polymer having two or more monomer components.

Various grades of polyethylene, including low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene or copolymers or mixtures or blends thereof are frequently compatible with toiletry products, and are preferred materials for the containers of the invention. Low density polyethylene yields a bottle that is relatively easy to squeeze, while high density polyethylene bottles are relatively stiff. In the case of liquid products 27 that are dispensed by squeezing the container, a 50:50 blend of low density and high density polyethylene is preferred. In the case of powders, where the desired dispensing mode is by shaking the container, a stiffer container produced from high density polyethylene is preferred.

The thickness of the exterior walls, i.e. panels, first side, second side, and the like, may be of any thickness desired, may vary within a container, and may depend on the desired end use of the container and the contents stored therein. Preferably the thickness of the walls ranges from about mils to about 50 mils, and preferably from about 30 mils to about 40 mils.

0 While such thicknesses are preferred as providing a readily resilient container, it is to be understood that other wall thicknesses may be produced to satisfy a particular need and yet fall within the scope of the S' present invention.

The containers of the present invention can be formed by any conventional technique known in the art for producing containers including, but not limited to, extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, stretch blow molding, and the like. Details of such processes are disclosed in, for example, Wiley at 54 65. Extrusion blow molding is the process of choice.

One noteworthy characteristic of the container of the present A 20 invention is that it fits comfortably in the hands of both adults and small children. Another noteworthy characteristic is that the containers of the present invention dispense product using relatively low hand force, and are therefore preferred by small children and adults lacking in hand strength.

Yet another noteworthy characteristic is that the containers of the invention incorporate design features that prevent the container from slipping for the users' hands, particularly when the hands are wet. Yet another noteworthy feature of the containers of the invention is that they possess surfaces that are readily available for printing or labeling.

28 We have further unexpectedly found that the presence of the upper closure side walls 92 and/or a channel 90 allow for the taper closure 85 to have a more rapid, uniform cooling period in the mold, and thus fewer surface defects, since the resulting closure does not possess thick, solid material masses, but rather is comprised of thin exterior walls having a relatively constant thickness.

The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any component, ingredient, or step which is not specifically disclosed herein. The example set forth below further illustrates the nature of S the invention and the manner of carrying it out However, the invention should not be considered as being limited to the details thereof.

Examples Test Methods Used in the Examples: 1) Dispensing Force Test: The force required for dispensing the contents from a container or "dispensing force" was measured using a Uniforce Experimenters Kit (parallel port input/output version) manufactured 'by Force Imaging Technologies, having thin (0.003mm), flexible sensor strips that may be mounted on a variety of surfaces with little or no effect on the test sample, and both software (Uniform Sensor System version 5) and Se 20 hardware that interfaces the sensor to a personal computer for data acquisition.

A sensor strip with the proper force range (usually 0-1Olbs) is mounted on one of the panels of the sample container with the sensor mounted at the location where a user's thumb would typically contact the container during normal dispensing of product from the container as shown in FIG. 14. For an adult-sized hand, the thumb normally contacts the panel at a point between about 70 percent to about 80 percent of the length of the 29 panel, closest to the closed end 2 of the container. The software is set in the record data mode with a time duration of between 1.25 1.75 sec. The container is held in a user's hand with the thumb on one face of the container and the other fingers on the opposite face of the container. With the thumb on the sensor, the container is held in a vertical position with the dispensing orifice directed downward over a beaker positioned on a model PE 600 Metier electronic balance. The containers are then manually squeezed with enough force to open the valve and dispense a standard quantity of product (3-6 g) contained therein. The maximum force that is required to open the valve and to dispense each quantity of product is output by the computer program. That force value, along with the weight of product dispensed, is tabulated manually by the operator.

After resetting the balance to zero, the above sequence is repeated until the container is empty of all product. The data collected by the 15 operator is then used to generate a graph showing the force required to open the valve as a function of the cumulative amount of product dispensed from the container.

Example 1: Dispensing Force Measurement: The force required for dispensing product from containers of the present 20 invention, as well as for various commercially available containers shown in Table 1 below, was measured in accordance with the Dispensing Force Test described above. Each of the containers in Table 1 was fitted with a closure containing a silicone dispensing valve available from Seaquist Closures, Mukwonago, Wisconsin.

Table 1. Types of Containers Legend Number Product Container Size Product Source III (mL) II 30 1 2 3 4 6 Lever Bros.

Lever 2000 Body Wash Lever Bros.

1 2 3 4 Cheeseborough- Vaseline Intensive Care Moisturizing Body Wash Cheeseborough- Ponds m Baby Magic Moisturizing Baby Bath 200 Mennen 4" Bath Soft Soap Gentle Antibacterial Body Wash Colgate-Palmoive I r o o o s o Container of the invention as shown in FIG. 4 container of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6A, 6B I I To remove any inconsistencies arising from dispensing products of different viscosities, water was substituted for the as-packaged and purchased contents of all containers. The results of these force measurements are shown in FIG. 11.

It is evident from FIG. 11 that the containers of the present invention require the lowest amount of force to dispense product relative to the other containers tested. Accordingly, the containers of the invention are expected to be easiest to dispense product by those having weak hand strength such as small children and elderly adults.

Claims (28)

1. A tapered closure comprising: a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.

2. The closure of claim 1 whereby the circumference of the top 10 surface is greater than the circumference of the bottom surface.

3. The closure of claim 1 further comprising a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.

4. The closure of claim 3 further comprising an aperture in the channel.

5. The closure of claim 1 having a degree of taper between about 850 to about 450, relative to the normal to the longitudinal axis of the closure.

6. The closure of claim 1 whereby the upper closure side wall has a thickness of from about .075 inches to about .015 inches.

7. The closure of claim I further comprising a lid attached to the peripheral closure side wall via an attachment means.

8. The closure of claim 7 whereby the attachment means is a first hinge.

9. The closure of claim 7 further comprising an extension member 32 attached to the peripheral closure side wall and the lid, said extension member having a lower surface.

The closure of claim 9 further comprising a second hinge integrally connecting the extension member and the lid, a plug integral with the extension member lower surface, and an aperature in the upper stage surface wherein the plug and the aperture are positioned on the closure in a location that permits the mating of the plug and the aperature.

11. The closure of claim 10 further comprising a dispensing orifice through the upper stage surface, the dispensing orifice having a throat.

12. The closure of claim 11 wherein said lid further comprises a lower surface and a stopper integral therewith such that said closure is in a Sclosed position when said stopper is secured within said throat.

13. The closure of claim 11 further ccmprising a valve securedly fit in the throat.

14. A tapered closure comprising: a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side 8" wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.

The closure of claim 14 whereby the perimeter of the top surface is greater than the perimeter of the bottom surface.

16. The closure of claim 14 further comprising a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall. 33

17. A tapered closure comprising: a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference; b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall, and c) a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.

18. The closure of claim 17 whereby the circumference of the top surface is greater than the circumference of the bottom surface.

19. The closure of claim 17 further comprising a container, whereby said closure is adapted to fit with said container.

20. The closure of claim 1 further comprising a container, whereby said closure is adapted to fit with said container.

21. The closure of claim 14 further comprising a container, whereby said closure is adapted to fit with said container.

22. A method of making a tapered closure comprising: S" molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of forming a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure 34 side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface,

23. The method of claim 22 whereby the circumference of the top surface is greater than the circumference of the bottom surface.

24. A method of making a tapered closure comprising: molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of forming a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further jO comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter; and a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top *surface.

25. The method of claim 24 whereby the perimeter of the top surface is greater than the perimeter of the bottom surface.

26. A method of making a tapered closure comprising: molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of forming a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter; b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface: and 35 c) a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.

27. A tapered closure substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

28. A method of making a tapered closure substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings- DATED this 27th day of February

1998. JOHNSON JOHNSON RESEARCH PTY. LIMITED f **u-7 we eo a as a