BRMU8702880U2 - lock with lid protection - Google Patents

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a closure (40, 40A, 40B) that is provided for a container opening. The closure (40, 40A, 40B) includes a housing (42, 42A, 42B) for mounting on the container and a movable lid (44, 44A, 44B) between a closed position and an open position. The rear end of the cap (44, 44A, 446) and body (42, 42A, 426) is connected by a hinge (88, 88B). The lid (44, 44A, 446) is disposed in a recess (60, 60B) defined in the body (42, 42A, 42B).

Description

Utility Model Patent Descriptive Report for "COVER PROTECTION".

TECHNICAL FIELD

This utility model relates to a container closure having a lid and a closure body to which the lid is attached.

BACKGROUND TO THE UTILITY MODEL AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS PRESENTED BY THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

A variety of packaging, including dispensing packaging or containers, has been developed for personal care products such as shampoo, lotions, etc., as well as for other fluid materials. A type of closure for these types of containers typically has an article connecting a lid to a base that is mounted over the opening of the container. The hinge can be a fastening strap, a live hinge, a spring-action hinge (providing a guiding force that holds the lid in a selected closed or open position), or some other hinge structure. .

In some applications, it may be desirable to protect the lid in a manner that would inhibit contact with the front of the lid or otherwise reduce the likelihood of the closed lid being inadvertently purged away from the body to an open position. An improved closure design, in which the lid would be less likely to open due to accidental closure impacts, would be advantageous during shipment and the handling of a container having such closure.

It would be beneficial if such an improved closure could also optionally accommodate designs that allow the use of a variety of hinge structures to provide the desired opening and closing action of the lid.

Also, it would be desirable if such improved closure could easily accommodate efficient, high quality, high volume manufacturing techniques with a reduced product rejection rate.

Additionally, such an improved closure should advantageously accommodate its use with a variety of containers having a variety of conventional container finishes, such as conventional snap or threaded fastener configurations.

The present invention provides an improved closure that can accommodate designs having one or more of the benefits and aspects discussed above.

UTILITY MODEL SUMMARY

According to the present utility model, an improved closure having a hinge connecting a closure cap to the base or closure body is provided to be mounted on, or formed as a unitary part of, a container having an aperture to the closure. inside the container where a product can be stored.

The base or closure body is adapted to extend the container into the opening and defining a discharge opening for communication with the opening.

The lid is movable between a closed position closing the opening and a spaced open position of the hole.

The body defines a recess for receiving the lid when the lid is in the closed position so that the body closes laterally at least at the front end and at the sides so as to inhibit contact with the front end of the lid of locations that are laterally closed. in front of the front end of the cover but outside the body. The recess extends sufficiently in front of the front end of the cover to provide space to accommodate the insertion of a user's finger from above the front end of the cover to a position recess adjacent the front end of the lid so that the lid can be lifted with a finger and moved to the open position.

Numerous other advantages and aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the utility model, from the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings forming part of the report, where equal numbers are employed to designate equal parts throughout the report.

Figure 1 is an isometric top view of a first embodiment of a dispensing closure of the present utility model in the form of a closure which is manufactured separately from a container and which is shown in the closed condition;

Figure 2 is an isometric view similar to Figure 1, but Figure 2 shows closure in the open condition;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally from plane 3-3 in Figure 1;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but Fig. 4 shows closing in the open condition;

Figure 5 is an isometric bottom view of the open condition closure;

Figure 6 is an isometric top view of a second closure mode in the closed condition;

Figure 7 is a top isometric view of a third fashion of a closed condition closure; and

Figure 8 is an isometric view similar to Figure 7, but Figure 8shows the third mode of closing in the open condition.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this report and the accompanying drawings only describe some specific forms as examples of the utility model. The utility model is not intended to be limited to the embodiments thus described, and the scope of the utility model will be shown in the appended claims.

For ease of description, the closure of this utility model is described in particular guidelines, and the terms such as top, bottom, horizontal, etc. are used with reference to these guidelines. It will be understood, however, that the closure may be manufactured, stored, and used in directions other than those described.

Referring to the figures, a first embodiment of a closure of the present utility model is illustrated in Figures 1-5, and is generally identified in some of those figures by reference numeral 40. Closure 40 is adapted to be arranged. in a container (not shown), which may have a conventional mouth or opening formed by a neck or other suitable structure.

The container may be stored and used in a vertical orientation wherein closure 40 is on top of the container. The container may also normally be stored in an inverted (not illustrated) position. When stored in the inverted position, the container employs closure 40 as a support base.

Although the container per se does not form a part of the broader aspects of the present utility model, per se it will be appreciated that at least one base part or body of the closure 40 of the present utility model can optionally be provided as a part. unit or extension of the top of the container. However, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, closure 40 is a separate article or unit (e.g., a dispensing closure 40) that is adapted to be removably, or non-removably, installed in a pre-fabricated container having a opening into the container.

The illustrated preferred embodiment of closure 40 is adapted to be used with a container having an opening to provide access to the interior of the container and a product contained therein. The closure 40 may be used to dispense many materials including, but not limited to, relatively low or high viscosity liquids, creams, gels, suspensions, mixtures, lotions, etc. (such as a material constituting a food product, a beverage product, a personal care product, a household or industrial cleaning product, or other compositions of matter (for example, compositions for use in manufacturing activities). , commercial or domestic maintenance, construction, agriculture, medical treatment, military operations, etc.)).

The container with which the closure 40 may typically be used would be a compressible container having a user-graspable, flexible wall or walls which are clamped or compressed to increase internal pressure within the container to force the product out of the container and through the open closure. Such a flexible container wall typically has sufficient inherent resilience such that when compressive forces are removed, the recipient wall returns to its normal, unpressured shape. Such a compressible container is preferred in many applications but is not required or preferred in other applications. For example, in some applications it may be desirable to employ a generally rigid container, and pressurize the interior of the container at selected times with a piston or other preser- sion system, or reduce external ambient pressure to suck the material through the container. Closing open.

It is presently considered that many applications employing closure 40 will be conveniently carried out by molding closure 40 from suitable thermoplastic material or materials. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the closure could be molded from a suitable thermoplastic material such as but not limited to polypropylene.

As can be seen from Figure 1, closure 40 includes a base or a body 42 and a lid 44 mounted on the body 42. Throughout the stereotype, the terms "base" and "body" will be used interchangeably. The base or body 42 includes an outer skirt 46 and an inner collar 48 (FIGS. 3 and 5) having a snap-fit rib 50 for engaging suitable half-operation, such as a corresponding (not shown) slot or rib in the container. Alternatively, a threaded connection system could be used. In another optional design (not shown), the inner closure collar 48 could be omitted entirely, and the outer skirt 46 could be configured and sized to mount directly to the container.

At the top of the closure base extension skirt 46, skirt 46 is rounded or curved, and joins a transverse cover 56 (Figure 1). As can be seen in Figure 2, cover 56 is divided by a recess 60 that receives the cover 44 when the lid 44 is closed (figure 3).

The closure body 42 includes a first side portion 61 (Fig. 2) defining a recess side 60 which is adjacent to a datamed side 44 when the lid is closed. Closure body 42 includes a second side portion 62 defining a second side of recess 60 which is adjacent to the other side of lid 44 when lid 44 is closed. Body 42 includes a front portion 63 (figures 2 and 4) defining a front end of recess 60. Body 42 defines a floor 64 (figures 2 and 4) extending through the bottom of recess 60.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a collar nozzle 70 protrudes upwardly from the closure body floor 64 in the recess to define a discharge port 72. Part of the discharge port 72 extends downwardly from the screen 70 through the recess. floor 64. The inner upper end portion of the nozzle or collar 70 has a reduced diameter sealing flange or flange 76 (figure 4). The top of the sealing flange or sealing flange 76 is at the distal end of collar 70 and has a chamfered or frustoconical surface 80.

The floor 64 typically has (but need not have) a downwardly extending, annular inner seal structure 84 (FIG. 4) that is received against the inner edge of the container opening to provide a leak-proof seal between closure 40. and the container when closure 40 is installed in the container.

In the preferred embodiment, a closure cap 44 (FIG. 1) is connected to closure skirt 46 with a joint structure 88. The cap 44 generally has a top cover or a cover 90 (FIG. 1). Referring to Figure 2, the lid 44 includes a peripheral wall structure generally extending perpendicular to the circumferential top or cover 90, and the peripheral wall structure includes a first generally planar sidewall 91, a second generally planar sidewall 92 , and a generally planar front wall 93. The front wall 93 defines the front end of the lid, the first planar side wall 91 defines a first side of the lid, and the second planar side wall 92 defines a second side of the lid.

The rear end of the lid 44 is connected to the articulation frame 88. To accommodate the pivot frame 88, the rear end of the lid 44 has two spaced, spaced rear wall segments 94 (Figure 2). Running along one edge of the joint structure 88 between the two narrow wall segments 94 is a wider but shorter intermediate rear wall 95 (FIG. 4). Wall segments 94 and rear wall 95 may be viewed as part of the lid peripheral wall structure with front wall 93 and side walls 91 and 92.

As can be seen from figures 2 and 4, the front end of the lid includes a lifting flap 96 which protrudes externally from the lid front wall 93. Extending from the underside of the lid 90 is an element annular or reduction 100 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) which is adapted to be received into, and sealably engaged with, the closure base collar 70 when the lid 44 is closed. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end of reduction 100 has a chamfered or frustochromic surface 102 (Figures 2 and 3).

The hinge structure 88 is preferably integrally molded as a unitary part of the closure with the base 42 and the lid44. A preferred material for shaping the closure is polypropylene. This material has been found to provide a relatively strong durable closing joint. The material has the ability to withstand typical loads imposed on the pivot frame 88 by a closure user when the user opens and closes lid 44, and has the ability to accommodate a relatively high number of flawless opening and closing cycles.

A suitable pivot structure 88 is the spring-donor pivot described in U.S. Patent No. 4,912,112. 5,642,824. Other articulation structures could be employed, such as a live film joint, chain or strap, etc. The detailed design and operation of the hinge structure 88 is not part of the present invention.

When the lid 44 is closed (Figures 1 and 3), the upper portions of the closure body 42 laterally close the lid 44 at least at the front end of the lid 44 and the sides of the lid to inhibit contact with the lid end. front cover (front wall 93 lifting tab 96) from locations laterally at the front end of the cover but outside the body 42. When the cover 44 is closed in recess 60, recess 60 extends sufficiently in front the front end of the lid (front wall 93 and lift tab 96) to provide a space for accommodating the insertion of a user finger from above the front end of lid to a position in recess 60 adjacent the front end of The cap means that the cap 44 can be lifted with the finger and moved to the open position (figures 2 and 4).

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the top of the lid44 defines a generally flat top surface, and the body cover 56 has a generally flat top surface that is substantially coplanar with the flat top surface of the lid when the lid is closed. .Except for the small space in front of the closed lid. The relatively flat, relatively smooth surface existing through the closure top 40 still provides increased resistance against the accidental opening of the lid 44. In addition, because the space ahead of the closed lid front end within the recess 60 is only large enough for At the user's fingertip, the likelihood of the cap being accidentally impacted or removed in a manner that would make it disruptive for shipping and handling is substantially reduced.

In the preferred form of the utility model, the rear end of the lid 44 is generally smooth and fuses with the hinge structure 88, and there is virtually no access at the rear end of the lid 44 which would allow an external lifting force to be applied. below the lid from the outer region of the rear end of the lid.

In the preferred embodiment of the illustrated closure, cap 44 is normally held closed with a friction fit or interference fit between cap reduction 100 (FIG. 3) and closure body collar 70 (FIG. 3). ). However, to provide greater resistance against accidental opening, conventional snap-on snap couplings or other similar structures could be provided on the sidewalls of the recess 61 and 62 and the corresponding sidewalls of the lid 91 and 92, respectively. A conventional sealing ring or snap ring could also be provided outside the lid reduction 100 to engage and interfere with the sealing flange 76 of the closure collar70.

Figure 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a closure 40A of the present invention having a closure body 42A and a lid44A. Closure body 42A has a generally elliptical configuration in contrast to the generally cylindrical closure body configuration 42 of the first closure embodiment 40 described above with reference to Figures 1-5. Unlike the elliptical closure body configuration 42A in the second embodiment, the aspects of the second closure embodiment 40A may be substantially identical to the aspects of the first closure embodiment 40 described above with reference to Figures 1-5.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a third embodiment of a closure 40B of the present invention having a closure body 42B and a lid 44B pivotally connected to body 42B. This embodiment is a presently preferred form of closure.

Closure body 42B has a generally cylindrical configuration similar to that of closure body 42 of the first closure embodiment 40 described above with reference to Figures 1-5. However, in a third embodiment, the lid 44B is hingedly connected differently from the lid of the first embodiment 44. In particular, as can be seen from Figure 8, the lid 44B is hingedly connected to the upper surfaces of the closure body 42B with a film hinged joint. conventional 88B. As can be seen from figure 7, the closure body 40B has a rear body cover 56B extending behind the rear end of the cover 44B, and this rear cover 56B is designated with the reference numeral. 43B.

The cap 44B tapers inward on each side so that the rear end of the cap on the film hinge 88B is slightly wider than the front end of the cap. In a modified design considered (not shown), the front end of the lid may be wider than the rear end, and may facilitate opening of the lid.

Cover 44B has a generally flat top cover or cover 90B. Referring to Figure 8, the lid 44B includes a peripheral wall structure generally extending perpendicularly from the periphery of the cover 90B. The peripheral wall structure includes a first generally planar sidewall 91B, a second generally planar sidewall 92B, and a generally arcuate front wall 93B.The front end of the lid includes a projecting lifting tab 96B outside the lid front wall 93B.

As can be seen from figure 8, the closure body cover 56B extends around a recess 60B which receives lid 44B when lid 44B is closed (figure 7). The closure body 42B includes a first side portion 61B (Fig. 8B) defining an access side 60B that is adjacent to one side of the lid 44b when the lid 44B is closed. The closure body 42B includes a second side portion 62B defining a second side of recess 60B which is adjacent to the other side of the lid 44B when the lid 44b is closed. The body 42B includes a front part 63B (figures 7 and 8) defining a front end of the recess 60B. Body 42B defines a floor 64B (figures 7 and 8) extending through the bottom of recess 60B.

Referring to Figure 8, a very short discharge structure or short collar nozzle 70B projects upwardly from the closure body floor 64B in recess 60B and has an internal beveled surface or frustoconical surface 80B. defining a discharge hole extending from collar 70B downwardly through floor 64B. At the bottom of the frustoconical surface 80B there is a small diameter sealing flange or flange 76B (figure 8). Extending from the underside of the lid 90B is an annular or reduction element 100B (figure 8) that is adapted to be received in and sealingly engage the inside of the locking base collar 70B when the lid 44b is closed. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end of reduction 100B has a chamfered or frustoconical surface 102B (Figure 8).

The floor 64B typically has (but does not need to have) an inner, annular, downwardly extending sealing structure (not visible, but similar to structure 84 in the first closure embodiment 40 shown in Figure 4), and such that a structure A seal is received against the inner opening of the container opening to provide a leak-proof seal between closure 40B and the container when closure 40B is installed in the container.

When lid 44b is closed (Figure 7), the upper portions of closure body 42B laterally close lid 44B at least at the front end of lid 44B and sides of the lid to inhibit contact with the front end of lid ( that is, the front wall 93B and the lifting flap 96B) of locations which are laterally in front of the front end of the lid but outside the body 42B.

When the lid 44B is closed in recess 60B, recess 60B extends sufficiently in front of the front end of the lid (i.e., the front wall 93B and the lifting flap 96B) to provide a space to accommodate the insertion of one. the user's finger from above the lid front end to a position in recess 60B adjacent the lid front end so that the lid 44B can be lifted with the finger and moved to the open position (figure 8).

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the lid top44B defines a generally flat top surface, and the closure body cover 56B has a generally flat top surface that is substantially coplanar with the lid flat top surface. when the cover is closed. With the exception of the small space in front of the closed lid, the relatively flat, relatively smooth surface that exists through the top of closure 40B still provides increased resistance to accidental opening of lid 44B. Additionally, because the space in front of the closed front end of the lid within the recess 60B is only large enough for the user's finger end, the likelihood of the lid being accidentally impacted or removed in a manner that would open it during shipment. and handling, is substantially reduced.

In the preferred form of the utility model shown in Figures 7 and 8, the rear end of the lid 44B is generally smooth and fuses with the pivot frame 88B, and there is virtually no access at the rear end of the lid 44B that would allow a lifting force external action is applied below the cover of the outer region of the rear end of the cover.

In preferred embodiment, closure 40B shown, cap 44b is normally held closed with a friction fit or interference fit between cap reduction 100B (FIG. 8) and closure body collar 70B (FIG. 8). However, to provide greater resistance against accidental opening, conventional snap-on snap couplings or other similar structures could be provided on the recess rear walls 61B and 62B and the corresponding side walls of the lid91B and 92B respectively. A sealing ring or conventional snap ring could also be provided outside the lid reduction 100B to engage or interfere with the sealing flange 76B of the locking collar 70B.

It will also be appreciated that the closure of the present invention may be provided with a variety of distribution passageway structures different from the illustrated orifice structures 72 and 70B.

It will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description of the utility model and the illustrations thereof that numerous other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the new concepts or principles of this invention.

Claims (11)

1. Closure (40, 40A, 40B) for a container having an opening into the container where a product may be stored, said closure (40, 40A, 40B) comprising: (A) a body (42, 42A, 42B) for extending from said container an opening and defining a discharge hole (72) for communicating with said opening (B) a lid (44, 44A, 44B) movable between a closed position blocking said opening (72) and a spaced open position of said aperture (72), said lid (44, 44A, 44B) having a front end (93, -93B), a rear end, and two sides (91, 91B; 92, 92B). ) extending between said front end (93, 93B) and the rear end, and (C) a hinge (88, 88B) connecting said rear end of the lid with said body (42, 42A, 42B); Said closure (40, 40A, 40B) characterized by the fact that: said body (42, 42A, 42B) defines a recess (60, 60B) for receiving said lid (44, 44A, 44B) when said lid (44 44A, 44B) is in said closed position such that said body (42, 4A, 42B) laterally closes said lid (44, 44A, 44B) at least at said front end (93, 93B) and on said sides (91, 91B; 92, 92B) so as to inhibit contact with said front end of the lid (93, 93B) from locations that are laterally in front of said front end of the lid (93, -93B) but outside said body (42, 42A, 42B), said recesses (60, 60B) extending sufficiently in front of said front end of the lid (93, 93B) to provide a space to accommodate insertion of a user finger from above said front end of the lid (93, -93B) to a position in said recess (60, 60B) adjacent said front end of the cap (93, 93B) so that said cap (44, 44A, 44B) can be lifted with said finger and moved to said open position. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the recess extends to, and is laterally open at, the edge of said housing said rear end of the lid to accommodate said joint at the rear end of the lid. Closure according to claim 1, wherein said front end of the lid includes a lifting flap projecting partially into said space at said front end of the lid. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure is molded from polypropylene. A closure according to claim 1, wherein said closure is a dispensing closure wherein said body is detached from but releasably attached to said container around said container opening. A closure according to claim 1, wherein: said body includes a side portion defining a side of the ditorcess, which is adjacent to one side of said lid when said lid is closed, said body including another side portion defining another side of the ditoreccess, which is adjacent to another side of said lid when said lid is closed; and said body includes a front portion defining a front end of said recess, which is spaced in front of said front end of the lid when said lid is closed. Closure according to claim 1, wherein: said lid has a generally flat top surface; and said body has a generally flat top surface that is substantially coplanar with said flat top surface of the lid. Closure according to claim 1, wherein: said front end of the lid has a generally planar front wall; Each of said sides of the lid has a generally planar side wall. A closure according to claim 1, wherein: said body defines a floor extending through said recessed bottom; Part of said discharge opening is defined in a nozzle having the shape of a collar projecting upwardly from said floor, and apart from said discharge opening extending from said mouthpiece downwardly through said floor. Closure according to claim 1, wherein: said closure body includes a cover extending around said rear end of the lid; and said hinge is a film hinge connecting the rear end of the lid with said cover. Closure according to claim 1, wherein the said cap is tapered such that said front end of the lid is narrower than said rear end of the lid.