CA2119695A1 - Snap-on closure system and method - Google Patents
Snap-on closure system and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA2119695A1 CA2119695A1 CA 2119695 CA2119695A CA2119695A1 CA 2119695 A1 CA2119695 A1 CA 2119695A1 CA 2119695 CA2119695 CA 2119695 CA 2119695 A CA2119695 A CA 2119695A CA 2119695 A1 CA2119695 A1 CA 2119695A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- interlocking
- spout
- container neck
- cap
- ring
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/061—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages with telescopic, retractable or reversible spouts, tubes or nozzles
- B65D47/063—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages with telescopic, retractable or reversible spouts, tubes or nozzles with flexible parts
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A closure system is disclosed including a container neck extending axially from a container and a cap and spout assembly for snap-on receipt onto the container neck. The cap and spout assembly includes a snap-on spout having a resiliently flexible sealing ring adapted for sealing receipt onto the container neck. The snap-on cap includes a closure member for closure of the spout and an interlocking ring adapted for interlocking receipt onto the container neck over the sealing ring independent of the snap-on spout. The closure member is frangibly attached to the interlocking ring to provide tamper-evident means for the snap-on cap. The interlocking ring of the cap cooperates with the sealing ring of the spout to maintain a positive seal against the container neck regardless of the internal pressure within the container.
A closure system is disclosed including a container neck extending axially from a container and a cap and spout assembly for snap-on receipt onto the container neck. The cap and spout assembly includes a snap-on spout having a resiliently flexible sealing ring adapted for sealing receipt onto the container neck. The snap-on cap includes a closure member for closure of the spout and an interlocking ring adapted for interlocking receipt onto the container neck over the sealing ring independent of the snap-on spout. The closure member is frangibly attached to the interlocking ring to provide tamper-evident means for the snap-on cap. The interlocking ring of the cap cooperates with the sealing ring of the spout to maintain a positive seal against the container neck regardless of the internal pressure within the container.
Description
2 1 1 9 fi 9 rj SNRP--ON CLOSl3RE SYSTEM AND METHOD
BACKGR~UND OF T1IE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a closure system for a container that includes a snap-on cap and spout assembly for receipt onto a contai1ler neck ancl, more specifically, to a cap and spout assembly and me1;hod for assembling t11e cap and spout assembly onto a container w11erein ~he cap and spout assembly includes a snap-on tamper evident cap and a snap-on pouring spout. ~ -Many types of closures for sealing onto a co~1tainer neck are known that include a spout received onto the neck of a container and a cap for closure of the spout. Typically, the cap is threaded onto the spout, and the spout and~or cap is either threaded with the container neck or clamped onto the conta;ner neck via a separate crimping ring. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,236,629 to Dwinell, 4,632,282 to Na~ashirna and 4,568,006 to Mueller, et al. disclose various crimping ring arrangements for clarnpiny ~he spout onto the container neck, wherein the crimping ring is constructed of a malleable metal. One disadvantaye of this type of closure is that the metal crimping ring cannot be recycled together with the various plastic components and, therefore, must be removed f rom each container prior to recycling. Anotl1er disadvantage is ~113t an additional assembly step is required to assemble tl1e crimping riny onto the spout prior to assernbly of tl1e cap.
As another example of a closure that seals onto a co11tainer neck, U.S. Patent No. 5,00~,126 to Klesius discloses a plastic closure for a plastic container tllat includes a frame cap adapted to be screwed onto an externally L1~readed container neck over a flexible pouring spout. l1le frame cap is frangibly attached to and inte~ral with a screw-on ring adapted to be threaded onto the e~ternally threaded container neck. One disadvantage of tllis type of closure is the possibility of breaking the frame cap from the screw-on ring during threading of the ring onto tlle container neck. Although a flexible web is provided ~etween the cap and ring to absorb excessive threading force~, excessive radial forces beyond those accolnrnodated by the flexible web can neve~ eless still result during assel~ly o tlle cap and ring onto the container neck so as to ~reak the frangible cap and ring attachment, thereby defeating its tamper-evident function. Also, in many applications ~he tolerances of the container neck are not tightly controlled and depending on the tolerance stack of the cap, spout and container neck, the spout may prematurely seat onto the container neck SUCII that cont:inued threading of the ring onto the container neck breaks the frangible cap and ring attachment.
Other closures that seal onto a container neck include a snap-on spout received onto the container neck and a cap threaded onto the contain~r neck over the snap~on spout. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,917,270 to Simon discloses a closure device that includes a spout received into a groove provided on the container neck, wherein the spout resiliently de~orms over the container neck durin~ installatiorl to seat in the gxoove. U.5. Patent Nos. 5,108,009 to Davidson et al.
and 4,706,829 to Li di~close other similar interlocking spout and container neck configurations. Still, there is always a need for an improved snap-on closure for universal use wi~h a variety of spouts.
For example, both the Li and Davidson closures include a stiff spout constructed of a relatively hard plastic that is molded to a fixed configuration. As such, tlle 5pout alone provides the necessary resilient interlocking force required to seal onto the container neck, so that the cap is not required to ellhance the spout/container neck seal and can $ ~ ~
~herefore be entirely removed from the contair1er neck. Other more fle~ible spouts present additional sealing problems beyond those addressed ~y the Simon, Davidson, et al. and Li closures.
In particular, flexi~le pour spouts that are movable between a nested position and an extended position are more ~rone ~o leakage than rigid spOllts at the spout/container neck interface. As a result, flexi~le spouts typically require additional means for maintaining the spout/container neck seal when the cap is removed from the spout. See, for example, European Patent Application No. EPO 320 808 Al which discloses a spout having a U-shaped flange flexi~ly receiYed over a conical container flan~e and a retaining ring flexibly received onto the spout. The spout is assernbled onto the container neck prior to assembly of the cap. One drawback of ttliS col~fig~lration is that the sequen~ial assembly potentially leaves the contents of the contail1er accessible to tampering or contamination. If the cap and spou-t are assembled together, too much force is required to assemble the cap and spout over the container flange since both the U-shaped flange of the spout and the ring of the cap must resiliently fle~ over the same container flange. If the cap and spout are constructed of a less resilient plastic to facilitate simultaneous assembly, the assembled cap and spout are tllen more prone to leakage at high internal container pressures.
~ erefore, a need exists for an improved closure for sea]lny receipt onto a container neck that overcomes the deficiencies of the above-described closures. Such a closure should ~ro~ide improved sealing characteristics or high in~erllal container pressures, such as that resulting from impact or dropping of the container, while still being easily assembled together onto the container neck. Preferably, the closure should be constructed entirely of plastic and easily ~ ~ 2 ~
_9_ molded to facilitate manufacturing. The closure should ~e tamper evident and also easily installe~ onto a contairler neck without risk of damage to the tamper evident means.
2:~ ~ 3~
SUMMARY OE' TIIE INVEiNTION
A closure system for a container is disclosed according to one embodiment of the present invention that includes a container neck extending axially from a container, a spout illcluding means for sealing onto the contairler neck, first means for axially interlocking the spout with the container neck, tl~e first means being resiliently flexible -to snap onto the container neck, a cap including means for closing of ths spout, and second means for axially interlocking tlle cap with tlle container neck, the second mean,s being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck, the first mealls int.erlocking the spout witll the container neck and tlle second means interlocking the cap with the container neck over the spout wherein the first means and the second means maintain tlle spout in sealing contact against the container neck.
A snap-on tamper evident closure assernbly is also disclosed according to one embodiment of the present invention that includes a snap~on spout having a resiliently fle~ible sealing ring adap~ed or sealing receipt onto tlle container ~leck, tlle sealing ring including a first interlocking lip adapted for interlocking with a corresponding first interlocking lip of the container neck, tlle sealing ring being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck, a snap-on cap including a closure member for closure of the spout and an interlocking ring adapted for il~t~rlocking recei~t onto the container neck over the sealing ring, the closure member being frangibly attached to the interlocking ring, the interlocking ring inc].uding a second in~erlocking lip adapted Eor interlocking with a correspon~ing second interlocking lip oE the container neck, the interlocking ring being resiliently flexible to snap onto t.he container neck, wherein the second interlocking lip of tlle interlocking ring extends below tlle first i.nterlocking lip of the sealing ring when the spout and the cap are received onto the container neck to interlock with tlle container neck independent of the sealing ring.
A closure assembly is further disclosed according to one embodiment of the present invention that inclu~es a container neck extending axially from a container, -the container neck including an inner sealing surface and an outer sealing surface, a spout including a sealing ring for sealing receipt onto the container neck, the sealing riny including an inner sealing ring portion for sealing against the inner sealing surface of the container neck, an outer sealing ri.ng por~ion for sealing against the outer sealing surface of the contai.ner neck, and a transverse sealing riny portion attached between the inner sealing ring portion and the outer sealing ring portion and bridying the container neck, and means for axially restraining tlle sealing ring against tlle container neck, wherein the means for axial.ly restraining defines a pivot for the ssaling ring to roll thereagainst when the inner sealing ring portion is forced out of ssaling contact against the inner surface of ~he container neck, the sealing ring rolling about the means for axially restraining to increase the sealing contact of the outer sealing riny portion against the outer sealing surface o~ the container neck .
A method for assembling a closure onto a container neck is still further disclosed according to one embodimellt of the present invention that includes the steps of o~tainillg a spout inclu~ing means for sealing onto a container neck and first means for axially irlterlockiny the spout witll tlle container neckr the first means being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck, obtailling a cap including ~neans for closing of the spout and second rneans for axially interlocking the cap with the con-tainer neck, the second means being resiliently fle$ible to snap onto the container ~ ;~ 1 9 ~
neck assembling the cap onto the spoul: to orm a cap and spout assembly and a~ially assembling the cap and spout assembly onto the container neck the first means and the second means resiliently flexing to snap onl:o the container neck.
One object of the ~resent inven~ion is to provide an improved closllre system ~or a container ~hat assem~les onto tlle container in a single step.
Another object of the present invention is ~o provide a clos~Jre llaving improved sealing characteristics.
Yet anot~er object of ~he present invention is to provide a closure constructed entirely of plastic to facilitate manufacturing and recycling o~ the package system.
Still another object of the present inventivn is to provide a closure that is tolerant of variances in -tlle container o~ening.
Still yet another object of the preserlt invention is to provide a tamper eviderlt threaded closure that is easily installed onto a container neck~
Anotller object of the pIesent invention is to provide a tamper evident closure employing frangible means and which is resistant to breakage of the frangible means during installation onto the container neck.
Tllese al~d otller related ob3ects asld advarltages will become apparent from the following drawings and written descriptions.
2 ~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~IE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a closure system according to the present invention that includes a cap and spout assem~ly received onto a container neck.
E'IG. 2 is an exploded view of the cap and spout assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a ~op plan view of the cap of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view oE the spout of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a side elevational, cross-sectional vie~1 of the closure system of FIG. 1 as assembled, wherein the views of the cap and spout are taken in the direction of the arrows indicated in E'IGS. 3 and 4, respectively.
FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of t~le FIG. 5 assembly depicting in detail its various sealing interfaces.
2 ~
DESCRIPTION OF T~IE E'REFERRE;D EMBOVIMENT
For tlle purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and speci.fic lanyuage will be used to describe the same. It will nevertlleless be understood that no limitation of t}le scoye of the invention is thereby intended, such al~erations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and Sucll further applications of tlle principles of the invention as illustrated therein bei.ng contemplated as woul~ normally occllr to one skilled in the art to wllich the invent-io relates.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a closure system 1~ is sllown inclu~ing a cap and spout assembly 12 adapted for snap-on receipt onto a container neck 14 of a container lid 16.
Unlike prior art cap and spout closures which ernploy crimping rings or are threaded onto the container neck, cap and spout assen~bly 12 assem~les OlltO container neck 14 generally axially along central axis 18 by snapping onto container neck 14. As such, the various components of closure system 10 are ~lexible to facilitate tl~e snap-on action of cap and spout assembly 12 onto container neck 1~. Prefera~ly, the components of closure system lq are constructed of ylastic ..
and are easily molded to facilitate manu~ac~urillg. Also, by construc~ing the componellts of closure system 10 entirely from plastic, closure system 10 is easily recycled without disassembly or separation of its various components. :
Re~erring now also to FIGS. 2-4, cap and spout assem~ly 12 is shown in greater detail. Cap and spout ~ssenl~].y 12 includes a c~p 20 fle~i~ly received over a spout 22. U~like prior ~rt closures w~icll seguen~ially assemble onto a container neck, cap and spout assembly l? assembles 011tO
container neck 1~ in a single step. As SllCil, cap and spout 2~
asse~lbly 12 does away witll interim asserilbly steps which m~y leave the contents of tlle container susceptible to tampering or contamination. Further, by snappiny onto the contairler neck as an assembly rather than as individual colnponents, cap and spout assembly does away witll sepaxate assembly tooling specifically adapted to the spout.
Cap 20 includes generally a closure member 24 frangibly attached to an interlocking outer ring member 26 via bail handles 72 and 74 and Erangible tabs 28. Interlocking member 26 is constructed of a thermoplastic material and is resiliently fle~ible to interlock with contaisler neck 14 and restrain spout 22 in sealing con~act against contairler neck 14. Cap 20 is a tamper evident cap, wherein tamper evident means is provided by the axially interlocking relationship ~etween interlocking member 26 and container neck 14 and the frangible attachment of interlockillg member 26 to closure member 24 via frangible tabs 28.
Spout 22 is a flexible spout to aid in pourin~J. Spout 22 includes a pouring neck 30 disposed within a sealing ring 3Z
and a fle~ible web 34 sealingly attached between pouring n~ck 30 and sealing ring 32. Pouring neck 30 is positiorlable between a nested position witllin sealing ring 32 an~ an extended position (not shown) upstanding from sealing ring 32. ~ecause spout 22 is a flexible spout, it is constructed from a ~le~ible tllermoplastic rnaterial similar to that of cap 20. Preferably, however, spout 22 is not so resilient to detract from it flexing between nested and extended positions and beillg able to sealingly conform to dimensiorlal variations of tlle container neck upon being clamped thereagainst by interlocking ring member 26.
Cap 20 assembles with spout 22 to forln cap and spout asselnb1y 12 by closure member 24 threading onto pouring neck 30. ~reerably, closure roember 2~ includes two threads 36 an~ 38 ~laving thread start or engagement positions spaced --11~
opposite from one anotSIer witllin closure member 24 to facilitate threaded en~agement of the cap wi~ll tlle spout every llalf turn. Silnilarly, pouring neclc 30 includes two threads 40 and 42 to provide corresponding multiple thread engagement positions. To improve sealing of the cap onto the spout, closure member 24 fur~ller includes a circular sealing ridge 44 which defines a circular groove 46 for receiving the upper edge of po~lring neck 30 in sealing contact therein.
Inter]ocking ring mem~er 26 includes an interlocking lip 98 extending radially inward thereof and below sealing ring 32 when assembled over spo~lt 22, w~lerein interlockin~ lip 48 interlocks with a corresponding interlocking lip 50 of container neck 14 (~IG. l). As cap 20 is threade~ onto spout 22, interlocking lip 48 resiliently flexes radially outward to srlap over seali~lg ring 32. As closure member 2~ is ~ur~her tigh~ened OlltO polJring neck 30, sealin~ rilly 32 is drawn Up to seat against interlocking ring mernber 26. In particular, irlterlockillg ring member 26 includes a restrai~ling lip 52 wtlich seats against a corresponding yroove 20 54 of sealing ring 32. Interlocking ring member 26 and restraining lip 52 cooperate to improve the sealing characteristics of sealing ring 32 at high internal container pressures as discussed further below, in particular in connection with FIG. 6.
Referring now also to FlG. 5, aC~er cap 20 is asseln~led witll s~out 22~ cap and spout assem~ly 12 is snapped onto container neck 14. Upon receipt of cap and spout assembly 12 onto container neck 14, an axially ti9~lt fit results between the cap, spo-lt and container neck so that tllere is little to no axially play between ~he various components. As such, any threading of closure melll~er 24 off of spout 22 retracts closure mem~er 24 axially olltward away from container neck 14. Because interlocking ring member 26 is a~ially restrained ill place onto con~ailler n~ck 14, the dlfferential . . . ,: . ... , ., ., ,, :.:.:, : . :. .. : ~. , , axial movement between tlle closure member and the interlockirlg ring causes frangi~le tabs 2~ to break, t}lereby evidencing access to the contents of the container. After tabs 28 are broken, interlocking ring member 26 functions ; independently of closure member 24 to still maintain positive sealing across the sealing ring to container neck interEace at lligll internal pressures within the container.
Interlocking ring member 26 similarly serves to restrain sealing ring 32 snapped on-to container neck 1~ when force is exerted to extend spout 22.
In the preferred embodiment, container neck 14 extends axially upward from a recessed configuration in which cap and spout assembly 12 is received onto contailler neck 14 substantially flush with surface 84 of container lid 16 . By recessing container neck 14 below surface ~4 such that cap and spout assembly 12 is substantially flusll therewith, mul~iple containers can be stacked atop one anotller.
Furtller, interlocking ring member 26 is less accessi~le and ~herefore less prone to tampering.
Referring back to ~o FIGS. 2-~, sealing ring 32 is generally U-shaped in cross-section and includes a transverse sealing ring portion 56 generally forming the botto~ of the "U" and an inner sea]ing ring portion 58 and an outer sealing ring portion 60 gen~rally forming the sides of the "U". ~n in~erlockins lip 62 extends radially inward of outer sealing rillg portion 60 to interlock with a corresponding interlockillg lip 63 of container neck 14 (FIG. 1). Unlike prior closures which interlock the cap onto the sealing ring, sealing ring 32 and interlockincJ rincJ member 26 interloc~s wi~l~ contailler neck 14 independent of one another. As a reslllt, interlockirlg ring member 26 maintains sealing ring 32 clampe~ against container neck 14 at high internal pressures wi~llin tlle container. In par-ticular, interlocking ring member 26 prevents lip 62 of sealing ring 32 from "popping"
off of lip 63 of corltainer neck 14 when t~le container is pressurized. Furtller, by initially interlocking cap 20 with container neck 14, cap 20 also prevents pouring neck 30 from extending when the con~ainer is pressurized. As sucl~, an improved sealing system results tl~at protects against leakage u~on pressUriZatiOII of the container.
Also, a more ~ositive se~ling mechallism is provided over that pro~ided by merely interlocking the cap with the sealing ring. At low internal container pressures, bo~ll inner sealing ring portion 58 and outer sealing ring portion 60 resiliently seal against container neck 19. Preferably, lnner sealing ring portion 5~ also includes a tapered sealing surface 69 corresponding to a tapered inner sealing ring ~urface 65 of container neck 19 (FIG. 1). At hig~l internal conl;ainer pressures, interlocking ring memL)er 26 cooperates witll sealing ring 32 to actively counter tlle ullseating o~
inner sealing ring portion 58 by improving the seaiing of outer sealing ring portion 60.
Referring now to FIG. 6 ~ tl~e cooperation of interlocking ring me~ er 26 with sealing ring 32 is shown in greater detail. Restraining lip 52 is molded within interlocking ring member 26 spaced approximately ~he same axial distance from interlocking lip 48 as the assembled axial distance between groove 54 of sealing ring 32 and interlocking lip 50 Of container neck 14. Sealing ring 32 seals against container neck 14 both internally via inner sealing ring portion 58 and externally via outer se~ling ~ing portion 60.
Nevertlleless, at lligh internal con~ailler pressures SUCII ~3S
that resulting from impact or dropping of the colltainer, inner sealing ring por~ion 58 is prone to lifting off of and radially inward away from container neck l~. Because illterlocking ring memL)er 26 interlocks Wit:ll COntailler neck 14 independent of sealing ring 32, sealillg ring 32 is prevellted from lifting off of container neck 19. lnstead, as inner sealing ring portion 58 rotates to li~t off of contairler neck 14, sealing ring 32 rolls or pivots against restraining lip 52 to drive outer s~aling ring portion 60 and lip G2 in greater sealing contact against interlocking lip 63 of cont:ainer neck 14. Lip 55 is provided at least in part for molding r~quirements and convenience. Lip 55 may also react against surface 53 of restrailliny lip 52 as part of or due to any rolling or pivoting motion of sealing rin~ 32. Lip 55 could also provide a third annular sealincJ interface a~ainst surace 53 if the ring member 26 is colltinuous and does not include recesses 80 and 82.
Referring back to E'IGS. 2-4, to further irnprove sealing of cap and spout assembly onto container neck 14, spout 22 also includes a frangible sealing diaphragm 68 sealingly attached across pouring neck 30 and a pull ring 70 attached to sealing diaphragm 68. As such, closure means are provided for spout 22 whereby pouring neck 30 is sealed until pull ring 70 is engaged to break frangible sealin~ diaphragm 68 free of pourins neck 30.
Other features as well can be added to cap and spout assembly 12 to improve its performance. For example, spout 22 furtller includes a plurality of vent ears 66 attached to flexible web 34. Ears 66 extend downwardly from flexible web 34 wllen spout 22 is in its sto~ed position nested wi~hin sealing ring 32. When spout 22 is in its extende~ position with pouring neck 30 upstanding from sealing ring 32, ears 66 e~tend radially inward within the spou~ and cooperate to define a central flow ~perture and a plurality of periE-heral vent opellings. Vent ears 66 function sitnilar to those disclo~ed in U.S. Patent No. 4,555,048 to Hamman et al.
issued November 26, 1985, the disclosure of which is hereby incorpora~ed by reference, and U.S. Patent No. 4,618,578 to llamma1l et al. issued October 21, 1986, the disclosllre of wl~icl~ i~ also hereby incorporated by reference.
~ lso, to facilitate har1dlillg and stacking of tlle corltainer, flexible bail handles 72 and 74 are flexible between a stored position flush witll closure melnber 29 and a usable position upsl:anding from closure member 24. To S improve access Lo t;lle ~ail llalldles, ta~s 76 and 78 are provided which extend radially outward of bail handles 72 and 74, respectively. lnterlockirlg ring member 26 similarly includes a corresponding pair of oppositely spaced recesses 80 and 82 for receivillg tabs 76 alld 78. ~s such, tabs 76 and 78 are easily accessible wllen pull rings 72 and 7~ are in their initial stored position and frarlgibly at~ached to interlocking ring member 26. Such a configuration is particularly well suited for a recessed container neck such as that shown in FIG. 5.
Wllile ~he invention has been illustrated and described in detail i-1 tlle drawings and foregoing description, tl1e same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in :~
character, it beil~g understood that only t~1e preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come witllin the spirit of the illventiorl are desired to be protected.
BACKGR~UND OF T1IE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a closure system for a container that includes a snap-on cap and spout assembly for receipt onto a contai1ler neck ancl, more specifically, to a cap and spout assembly and me1;hod for assembling t11e cap and spout assembly onto a container w11erein ~he cap and spout assembly includes a snap-on tamper evident cap and a snap-on pouring spout. ~ -Many types of closures for sealing onto a co~1tainer neck are known that include a spout received onto the neck of a container and a cap for closure of the spout. Typically, the cap is threaded onto the spout, and the spout and~or cap is either threaded with the container neck or clamped onto the conta;ner neck via a separate crimping ring. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,236,629 to Dwinell, 4,632,282 to Na~ashirna and 4,568,006 to Mueller, et al. disclose various crimping ring arrangements for clarnpiny ~he spout onto the container neck, wherein the crimping ring is constructed of a malleable metal. One disadvantaye of this type of closure is that the metal crimping ring cannot be recycled together with the various plastic components and, therefore, must be removed f rom each container prior to recycling. Anotl1er disadvantage is ~113t an additional assembly step is required to assemble tl1e crimping riny onto the spout prior to assernbly of tl1e cap.
As another example of a closure that seals onto a co11tainer neck, U.S. Patent No. 5,00~,126 to Klesius discloses a plastic closure for a plastic container tllat includes a frame cap adapted to be screwed onto an externally L1~readed container neck over a flexible pouring spout. l1le frame cap is frangibly attached to and inte~ral with a screw-on ring adapted to be threaded onto the e~ternally threaded container neck. One disadvantage of tllis type of closure is the possibility of breaking the frame cap from the screw-on ring during threading of the ring onto tlle container neck. Although a flexible web is provided ~etween the cap and ring to absorb excessive threading force~, excessive radial forces beyond those accolnrnodated by the flexible web can neve~ eless still result during assel~ly o tlle cap and ring onto the container neck so as to ~reak the frangible cap and ring attachment, thereby defeating its tamper-evident function. Also, in many applications ~he tolerances of the container neck are not tightly controlled and depending on the tolerance stack of the cap, spout and container neck, the spout may prematurely seat onto the container neck SUCII that cont:inued threading of the ring onto the container neck breaks the frangible cap and ring attachment.
Other closures that seal onto a container neck include a snap-on spout received onto the container neck and a cap threaded onto the contain~r neck over the snap~on spout. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,917,270 to Simon discloses a closure device that includes a spout received into a groove provided on the container neck, wherein the spout resiliently de~orms over the container neck durin~ installatiorl to seat in the gxoove. U.5. Patent Nos. 5,108,009 to Davidson et al.
and 4,706,829 to Li di~close other similar interlocking spout and container neck configurations. Still, there is always a need for an improved snap-on closure for universal use wi~h a variety of spouts.
For example, both the Li and Davidson closures include a stiff spout constructed of a relatively hard plastic that is molded to a fixed configuration. As such, tlle 5pout alone provides the necessary resilient interlocking force required to seal onto the container neck, so that the cap is not required to ellhance the spout/container neck seal and can $ ~ ~
~herefore be entirely removed from the contair1er neck. Other more fle~ible spouts present additional sealing problems beyond those addressed ~y the Simon, Davidson, et al. and Li closures.
In particular, flexi~le pour spouts that are movable between a nested position and an extended position are more ~rone ~o leakage than rigid spOllts at the spout/container neck interface. As a result, flexi~le spouts typically require additional means for maintaining the spout/container neck seal when the cap is removed from the spout. See, for example, European Patent Application No. EPO 320 808 Al which discloses a spout having a U-shaped flange flexi~ly receiYed over a conical container flan~e and a retaining ring flexibly received onto the spout. The spout is assernbled onto the container neck prior to assembly of the cap. One drawback of ttliS col~fig~lration is that the sequen~ial assembly potentially leaves the contents of the contail1er accessible to tampering or contamination. If the cap and spou-t are assembled together, too much force is required to assemble the cap and spout over the container flange since both the U-shaped flange of the spout and the ring of the cap must resiliently fle~ over the same container flange. If the cap and spout are constructed of a less resilient plastic to facilitate simultaneous assembly, the assembled cap and spout are tllen more prone to leakage at high internal container pressures.
~ erefore, a need exists for an improved closure for sea]lny receipt onto a container neck that overcomes the deficiencies of the above-described closures. Such a closure should ~ro~ide improved sealing characteristics or high in~erllal container pressures, such as that resulting from impact or dropping of the container, while still being easily assembled together onto the container neck. Preferably, the closure should be constructed entirely of plastic and easily ~ ~ 2 ~
_9_ molded to facilitate manufacturing. The closure should ~e tamper evident and also easily installe~ onto a contairler neck without risk of damage to the tamper evident means.
2:~ ~ 3~
SUMMARY OE' TIIE INVEiNTION
A closure system for a container is disclosed according to one embodiment of the present invention that includes a container neck extending axially from a container, a spout illcluding means for sealing onto the contairler neck, first means for axially interlocking the spout with the container neck, tl~e first means being resiliently flexible -to snap onto the container neck, a cap including means for closing of ths spout, and second means for axially interlocking tlle cap with tlle container neck, the second mean,s being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck, the first mealls int.erlocking the spout witll the container neck and tlle second means interlocking the cap with the container neck over the spout wherein the first means and the second means maintain tlle spout in sealing contact against the container neck.
A snap-on tamper evident closure assernbly is also disclosed according to one embodiment of the present invention that includes a snap~on spout having a resiliently fle~ible sealing ring adap~ed or sealing receipt onto tlle container ~leck, tlle sealing ring including a first interlocking lip adapted for interlocking with a corresponding first interlocking lip of the container neck, tlle sealing ring being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck, a snap-on cap including a closure member for closure of the spout and an interlocking ring adapted for il~t~rlocking recei~t onto the container neck over the sealing ring, the closure member being frangibly attached to the interlocking ring, the interlocking ring inc].uding a second in~erlocking lip adapted Eor interlocking with a correspon~ing second interlocking lip oE the container neck, the interlocking ring being resiliently flexible to snap onto t.he container neck, wherein the second interlocking lip of tlle interlocking ring extends below tlle first i.nterlocking lip of the sealing ring when the spout and the cap are received onto the container neck to interlock with tlle container neck independent of the sealing ring.
A closure assembly is further disclosed according to one embodiment of the present invention that inclu~es a container neck extending axially from a container, -the container neck including an inner sealing surface and an outer sealing surface, a spout including a sealing ring for sealing receipt onto the container neck, the sealing riny including an inner sealing ring portion for sealing against the inner sealing surface of the container neck, an outer sealing ri.ng por~ion for sealing against the outer sealing surface of the contai.ner neck, and a transverse sealing riny portion attached between the inner sealing ring portion and the outer sealing ring portion and bridying the container neck, and means for axially restraining tlle sealing ring against tlle container neck, wherein the means for axial.ly restraining defines a pivot for the ssaling ring to roll thereagainst when the inner sealing ring portion is forced out of ssaling contact against the inner surface of ~he container neck, the sealing ring rolling about the means for axially restraining to increase the sealing contact of the outer sealing riny portion against the outer sealing surface o~ the container neck .
A method for assembling a closure onto a container neck is still further disclosed according to one embodimellt of the present invention that includes the steps of o~tainillg a spout inclu~ing means for sealing onto a container neck and first means for axially irlterlockiny the spout witll tlle container neckr the first means being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck, obtailling a cap including ~neans for closing of the spout and second rneans for axially interlocking the cap with the con-tainer neck, the second means being resiliently fle$ible to snap onto the container ~ ;~ 1 9 ~
neck assembling the cap onto the spoul: to orm a cap and spout assembly and a~ially assembling the cap and spout assembly onto the container neck the first means and the second means resiliently flexing to snap onl:o the container neck.
One object of the ~resent inven~ion is to provide an improved closllre system ~or a container ~hat assem~les onto tlle container in a single step.
Another object of the present invention is ~o provide a clos~Jre llaving improved sealing characteristics.
Yet anot~er object of ~he present invention is to provide a closure constructed entirely of plastic to facilitate manufacturing and recycling o~ the package system.
Still another object of the present inventivn is to provide a closure that is tolerant of variances in -tlle container o~ening.
Still yet another object of the preserlt invention is to provide a tamper eviderlt threaded closure that is easily installed onto a container neck~
Anotller object of the pIesent invention is to provide a tamper evident closure employing frangible means and which is resistant to breakage of the frangible means during installation onto the container neck.
Tllese al~d otller related ob3ects asld advarltages will become apparent from the following drawings and written descriptions.
2 ~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~IE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a closure system according to the present invention that includes a cap and spout assem~ly received onto a container neck.
E'IG. 2 is an exploded view of the cap and spout assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a ~op plan view of the cap of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view oE the spout of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a side elevational, cross-sectional vie~1 of the closure system of FIG. 1 as assembled, wherein the views of the cap and spout are taken in the direction of the arrows indicated in E'IGS. 3 and 4, respectively.
FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of t~le FIG. 5 assembly depicting in detail its various sealing interfaces.
2 ~
DESCRIPTION OF T~IE E'REFERRE;D EMBOVIMENT
For tlle purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and speci.fic lanyuage will be used to describe the same. It will nevertlleless be understood that no limitation of t}le scoye of the invention is thereby intended, such al~erations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and Sucll further applications of tlle principles of the invention as illustrated therein bei.ng contemplated as woul~ normally occllr to one skilled in the art to wllich the invent-io relates.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a closure system 1~ is sllown inclu~ing a cap and spout assembly 12 adapted for snap-on receipt onto a container neck 14 of a container lid 16.
Unlike prior art cap and spout closures which ernploy crimping rings or are threaded onto the container neck, cap and spout assen~bly 12 assem~les OlltO container neck 14 generally axially along central axis 18 by snapping onto container neck 14. As such, the various components of closure system 10 are ~lexible to facilitate tl~e snap-on action of cap and spout assembly 12 onto container neck 1~. Prefera~ly, the components of closure system lq are constructed of ylastic ..
and are easily molded to facilitate manu~ac~urillg. Also, by construc~ing the componellts of closure system 10 entirely from plastic, closure system 10 is easily recycled without disassembly or separation of its various components. :
Re~erring now also to FIGS. 2-4, cap and spout assem~ly 12 is shown in greater detail. Cap and spout ~ssenl~].y 12 includes a c~p 20 fle~i~ly received over a spout 22. U~like prior ~rt closures w~icll seguen~ially assemble onto a container neck, cap and spout assembly l? assembles 011tO
container neck 1~ in a single step. As SllCil, cap and spout 2~
asse~lbly 12 does away witll interim asserilbly steps which m~y leave the contents of tlle container susceptible to tampering or contamination. Further, by snappiny onto the contairler neck as an assembly rather than as individual colnponents, cap and spout assembly does away witll sepaxate assembly tooling specifically adapted to the spout.
Cap 20 includes generally a closure member 24 frangibly attached to an interlocking outer ring member 26 via bail handles 72 and 74 and Erangible tabs 28. Interlocking member 26 is constructed of a thermoplastic material and is resiliently fle~ible to interlock with contaisler neck 14 and restrain spout 22 in sealing con~act against contairler neck 14. Cap 20 is a tamper evident cap, wherein tamper evident means is provided by the axially interlocking relationship ~etween interlocking member 26 and container neck 14 and the frangible attachment of interlockillg member 26 to closure member 24 via frangible tabs 28.
Spout 22 is a flexible spout to aid in pourin~J. Spout 22 includes a pouring neck 30 disposed within a sealing ring 3Z
and a fle~ible web 34 sealingly attached between pouring n~ck 30 and sealing ring 32. Pouring neck 30 is positiorlable between a nested position witllin sealing ring 32 an~ an extended position (not shown) upstanding from sealing ring 32. ~ecause spout 22 is a flexible spout, it is constructed from a ~le~ible tllermoplastic rnaterial similar to that of cap 20. Preferably, however, spout 22 is not so resilient to detract from it flexing between nested and extended positions and beillg able to sealingly conform to dimensiorlal variations of tlle container neck upon being clamped thereagainst by interlocking ring member 26.
Cap 20 assembles with spout 22 to forln cap and spout asselnb1y 12 by closure member 24 threading onto pouring neck 30. ~reerably, closure roember 2~ includes two threads 36 an~ 38 ~laving thread start or engagement positions spaced --11~
opposite from one anotSIer witllin closure member 24 to facilitate threaded en~agement of the cap wi~ll tlle spout every llalf turn. Silnilarly, pouring neclc 30 includes two threads 40 and 42 to provide corresponding multiple thread engagement positions. To improve sealing of the cap onto the spout, closure member 24 fur~ller includes a circular sealing ridge 44 which defines a circular groove 46 for receiving the upper edge of po~lring neck 30 in sealing contact therein.
Inter]ocking ring mem~er 26 includes an interlocking lip 98 extending radially inward thereof and below sealing ring 32 when assembled over spo~lt 22, w~lerein interlockin~ lip 48 interlocks with a corresponding interlocking lip 50 of container neck 14 (~IG. l). As cap 20 is threade~ onto spout 22, interlocking lip 48 resiliently flexes radially outward to srlap over seali~lg ring 32. As closure member 2~ is ~ur~her tigh~ened OlltO polJring neck 30, sealin~ rilly 32 is drawn Up to seat against interlocking ring mernber 26. In particular, irlterlockillg ring member 26 includes a restrai~ling lip 52 wtlich seats against a corresponding yroove 20 54 of sealing ring 32. Interlocking ring member 26 and restraining lip 52 cooperate to improve the sealing characteristics of sealing ring 32 at high internal container pressures as discussed further below, in particular in connection with FIG. 6.
Referring now also to FlG. 5, aC~er cap 20 is asseln~led witll s~out 22~ cap and spout assem~ly 12 is snapped onto container neck 14. Upon receipt of cap and spout assembly 12 onto container neck 14, an axially ti9~lt fit results between the cap, spo-lt and container neck so that tllere is little to no axially play between ~he various components. As such, any threading of closure melll~er 24 off of spout 22 retracts closure mem~er 24 axially olltward away from container neck 14. Because interlocking ring member 26 is a~ially restrained ill place onto con~ailler n~ck 14, the dlfferential . . . ,: . ... , ., ., ,, :.:.:, : . :. .. : ~. , , axial movement between tlle closure member and the interlockirlg ring causes frangi~le tabs 2~ to break, t}lereby evidencing access to the contents of the container. After tabs 28 are broken, interlocking ring member 26 functions ; independently of closure member 24 to still maintain positive sealing across the sealing ring to container neck interEace at lligll internal pressures within the container.
Interlocking ring member 26 similarly serves to restrain sealing ring 32 snapped on-to container neck 1~ when force is exerted to extend spout 22.
In the preferred embodiment, container neck 14 extends axially upward from a recessed configuration in which cap and spout assembly 12 is received onto contailler neck 14 substantially flush with surface 84 of container lid 16 . By recessing container neck 14 below surface ~4 such that cap and spout assembly 12 is substantially flusll therewith, mul~iple containers can be stacked atop one anotller.
Furtller, interlocking ring member 26 is less accessi~le and ~herefore less prone to tampering.
Referring back to ~o FIGS. 2-~, sealing ring 32 is generally U-shaped in cross-section and includes a transverse sealing ring portion 56 generally forming the botto~ of the "U" and an inner sea]ing ring portion 58 and an outer sealing ring portion 60 gen~rally forming the sides of the "U". ~n in~erlockins lip 62 extends radially inward of outer sealing rillg portion 60 to interlock with a corresponding interlockillg lip 63 of container neck 14 (FIG. 1). Unlike prior closures which interlock the cap onto the sealing ring, sealing ring 32 and interlockincJ rincJ member 26 interloc~s wi~l~ contailler neck 14 independent of one another. As a reslllt, interlockirlg ring member 26 maintains sealing ring 32 clampe~ against container neck 14 at high internal pressures wi~llin tlle container. In par-ticular, interlocking ring member 26 prevents lip 62 of sealing ring 32 from "popping"
off of lip 63 of corltainer neck 14 when t~le container is pressurized. Furtller, by initially interlocking cap 20 with container neck 14, cap 20 also prevents pouring neck 30 from extending when the con~ainer is pressurized. As sucl~, an improved sealing system results tl~at protects against leakage u~on pressUriZatiOII of the container.
Also, a more ~ositive se~ling mechallism is provided over that pro~ided by merely interlocking the cap with the sealing ring. At low internal container pressures, bo~ll inner sealing ring portion 58 and outer sealing ring portion 60 resiliently seal against container neck 19. Preferably, lnner sealing ring portion 5~ also includes a tapered sealing surface 69 corresponding to a tapered inner sealing ring ~urface 65 of container neck 19 (FIG. 1). At hig~l internal conl;ainer pressures, interlocking ring memL)er 26 cooperates witll sealing ring 32 to actively counter tlle ullseating o~
inner sealing ring portion 58 by improving the seaiing of outer sealing ring portion 60.
Referring now to FIG. 6 ~ tl~e cooperation of interlocking ring me~ er 26 with sealing ring 32 is shown in greater detail. Restraining lip 52 is molded within interlocking ring member 26 spaced approximately ~he same axial distance from interlocking lip 48 as the assembled axial distance between groove 54 of sealing ring 32 and interlocking lip 50 Of container neck 14. Sealing ring 32 seals against container neck 14 both internally via inner sealing ring portion 58 and externally via outer se~ling ~ing portion 60.
Nevertlleless, at lligh internal con~ailler pressures SUCII ~3S
that resulting from impact or dropping of the colltainer, inner sealing ring por~ion 58 is prone to lifting off of and radially inward away from container neck l~. Because illterlocking ring memL)er 26 interlocks Wit:ll COntailler neck 14 independent of sealing ring 32, sealillg ring 32 is prevellted from lifting off of container neck 19. lnstead, as inner sealing ring portion 58 rotates to li~t off of contairler neck 14, sealing ring 32 rolls or pivots against restraining lip 52 to drive outer s~aling ring portion 60 and lip G2 in greater sealing contact against interlocking lip 63 of cont:ainer neck 14. Lip 55 is provided at least in part for molding r~quirements and convenience. Lip 55 may also react against surface 53 of restrailliny lip 52 as part of or due to any rolling or pivoting motion of sealing rin~ 32. Lip 55 could also provide a third annular sealincJ interface a~ainst surace 53 if the ring member 26 is colltinuous and does not include recesses 80 and 82.
Referring back to E'IGS. 2-4, to further irnprove sealing of cap and spout assembly onto container neck 14, spout 22 also includes a frangible sealing diaphragm 68 sealingly attached across pouring neck 30 and a pull ring 70 attached to sealing diaphragm 68. As such, closure means are provided for spout 22 whereby pouring neck 30 is sealed until pull ring 70 is engaged to break frangible sealin~ diaphragm 68 free of pourins neck 30.
Other features as well can be added to cap and spout assembly 12 to improve its performance. For example, spout 22 furtller includes a plurality of vent ears 66 attached to flexible web 34. Ears 66 extend downwardly from flexible web 34 wllen spout 22 is in its sto~ed position nested wi~hin sealing ring 32. When spout 22 is in its extende~ position with pouring neck 30 upstanding from sealing ring 32, ears 66 e~tend radially inward within the spou~ and cooperate to define a central flow ~perture and a plurality of periE-heral vent opellings. Vent ears 66 function sitnilar to those disclo~ed in U.S. Patent No. 4,555,048 to Hamman et al.
issued November 26, 1985, the disclosure of which is hereby incorpora~ed by reference, and U.S. Patent No. 4,618,578 to llamma1l et al. issued October 21, 1986, the disclosllre of wl~icl~ i~ also hereby incorporated by reference.
~ lso, to facilitate har1dlillg and stacking of tlle corltainer, flexible bail handles 72 and 74 are flexible between a stored position flush witll closure melnber 29 and a usable position upsl:anding from closure member 24. To S improve access Lo t;lle ~ail llalldles, ta~s 76 and 78 are provided which extend radially outward of bail handles 72 and 74, respectively. lnterlockirlg ring member 26 similarly includes a corresponding pair of oppositely spaced recesses 80 and 82 for receivillg tabs 76 alld 78. ~s such, tabs 76 and 78 are easily accessible wllen pull rings 72 and 7~ are in their initial stored position and frarlgibly at~ached to interlocking ring member 26. Such a configuration is particularly well suited for a recessed container neck such as that shown in FIG. 5.
Wllile ~he invention has been illustrated and described in detail i-1 tlle drawings and foregoing description, tl1e same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in :~
character, it beil~g understood that only t~1e preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come witllin the spirit of the illventiorl are desired to be protected.
Claims (35)
1. A closure system, comprising:
a container neck extending axially from a container;
a spout including means for sealing onto said container neck;
first means for axially interlocking said spout with said container neck, said first means being resiliently flexible to snap onto said container neck;
a cap including means for closing of said spout; and second means for axially interlocking said cap with said container neck, said second means being resiliently flexible to snap onto said container neck;
said first means interlocking said spout with said container neck and said second means interlocking said cap with said container neck over said spout wherein said first means and said second means maintain said spout in sealing contact against said container neck.
a container neck extending axially from a container;
a spout including means for sealing onto said container neck;
first means for axially interlocking said spout with said container neck, said first means being resiliently flexible to snap onto said container neck;
a cap including means for closing of said spout; and second means for axially interlocking said cap with said container neck, said second means being resiliently flexible to snap onto said container neck;
said first means interlocking said spout with said container neck and said second means interlocking said cap with said container neck over said spout wherein said first means and said second means maintain said spout in sealing contact against said container neck.
2. The closure system of claim 1, wherein said means for sealing includes a sealing ring generally U-shaped in cross-section, said sealing ring including a transverse sealing ring portion generally forming the bottom of the "U"
and an inner sealing ring portion and an outer sealing ring portion generally forming the sides of the "U".
and an inner sealing ring portion and an outer sealing ring portion generally forming the sides of the "U".
3. The closure system of claim 2, wherein said first means for axially interlocking includes a first interlocking lip extending radially inward of said outer sealing ring portion and a second interlocking lip extending radially outward of said container neck, said first interlocking lip resiliently flexing over said second interlocking lip to axially interlock therewith.
4. The closure system of claim 3, wherein said spout includes a pouring neck disposed within said sealing ring and a flexible web sealingly attached between said pouring neck and said sealing ring, said spout being movable between a stored position nested within said sealing ring and an extended position upstanding from said sealing ring.
5. The closure system of claim 4, wherein said pouring neck includes a frangible sealing diaphragm sealingly attached thereacross and a pull ring attached to said frangible sealing diaphragm.
6. The closure system of claim 5, wherein said container neck includes a tapered inner sealing surface and said inner sealing ring portion includes a corresponding tapered sealing surface for sealing against said tapered inner sealing surface.
7. The closure system of claim 6, wherein said spout includes a plurality of ears attached to said flexible web, said ears extending downwardly from said flexible web when said spout is in its stored position and said ears extending radially inwardly within said spout and cooperating to define a central flow aperture and a plurality of peripheral vent openings when said spout is in its extended position.
8. The closure system of claim 1, wherein said spout includes a pouring neck disposed within a sealing ring and a flexible web sealingly attached between said pouring neck and said sealing ring, said spout being movable between a stored position nested within said sealing ring and an extended position upstanding from said sealing ring.
9. The closure system of claim 8, wherein said spout includes a plurality of ears attached to said flexible web, said ears extending downwardly from said flexible web when said spout is in its stored position and said ears extending radially inwardly within said spout and cooperating to define a central flow aperture and a plurality of peripheral vent openings when said spout is in its extended position.
10. The closure system of claim 1, wherein said cap includes;
a closure member including said means for closing;
an interlocking ring disposed about said closure member;
and means for frangibly attaching said closure member to said interlocking ring.
a closure member including said means for closing;
an interlocking ring disposed about said closure member;
and means for frangibly attaching said closure member to said interlocking ring.
11. The closure system of claim 10, wherein said second means for axially interlocking includes a first interlocking lip extending radially inward of said interlocking ring and a second interlocking lip extending radially outward of said container neck, said first interlocking lip resiliently flexing over said second interlocking lip to axially interlock therewith.
12. The closure system of claim 11, wherein said interlocking ring includes a restraining lip extending radially inward of said interlocking ring and disposed axially opposite said first interlocking lip, said restraining lip cooperating with said first interlocking lip to restrain said spout with said means for sealing in sealing contact against said container neck when said spout and said cap are received thereon.
13. The closure system of claim 12, wherein:
said closure member includes a pull ring flexible between a stored position flush with said cap and a usable position upstanding from said cap; and said means for frangibly attaching includes a plurality of peripherally spaced frangible tabs attached between said pull ring and said interlocking ring when said pull ring is in an initial stored position.
said closure member includes a pull ring flexible between a stored position flush with said cap and a usable position upstanding from said cap; and said means for frangibly attaching includes a plurality of peripherally spaced frangible tabs attached between said pull ring and said interlocking ring when said pull ring is in an initial stored position.
14. The closure system of claim 13, wherein said pull ring includes a pair of oppositely spaced tabs extending radially outward therefrom and said interlocking ring includes a corresponding pair of oppositely spaced recesses for receiving said pair of oppositely spaced tabs, said pair of oppositely spaced tabs being accessibly received in said corresponding pair of oppositely spaced recesses when said pull ring is in its stored position.
15. The closure system of claim 14, wherein said means for closing includes thread means having multiple thread engagement points.
16. The closure system of claim 1, wherein:
said first means for axially interlocking includes a first interlocking lip extending radially inward of said spout and a second interlocking lip extending radially outward of said container neck, said first interlocking lip resiliently flexing over said second interlocking lip to axially interlock therewith; and said second means for axially interlocking includes a third interlocking lip extending radially inward of said cap and a fourth interlocking lip extending radially outward of said container neck and axially displaced from said second interlocking lip, said third interlocking lip resiliently flexing over said fourth interlocking lip to axially interlock therewith.
said first means for axially interlocking includes a first interlocking lip extending radially inward of said spout and a second interlocking lip extending radially outward of said container neck, said first interlocking lip resiliently flexing over said second interlocking lip to axially interlock therewith; and said second means for axially interlocking includes a third interlocking lip extending radially inward of said cap and a fourth interlocking lip extending radially outward of said container neck and axially displaced from said second interlocking lip, said third interlocking lip resiliently flexing over said fourth interlocking lip to axially interlock therewith.
17. The closure system of claim 16, wherein said second means for axially interlocking includes a restraining lip extending radially inward of said cap and axially displaced opposite from said third interlocking lip, said restraining lip cooperating with said third interlocking lip to restrain said spout with said means for sealing in sealing contact against said container neck when said spout and said cap are received thereon.
18. The closure system of claim 1, wherein said container neck is recessed in a container lid, said spout and said cap being received onto said container neck substantially flush with the container lid.
19. The closure system of claim 18, wherein said cap includes a pull ring flexible between a stored position substantially flush with said cap and the container lid and a usable position upstanding from said cap and the container lid.
20. The closure system of claim 19, and further comprising an interlocking ring disposed about said cap for interlocking said cap with said container neck, said interlocking ring being substantially flush with said cap and the container lid.
21. The closure system of claim 20, wherein said pull ring includes a pair of oppositely spaced tabs extending radially outward therefrom and said interlocking ring includes a corresponding pair of oppositely spaced recesses for receiving said pair of oppositely spaced tabs, said pair of oppositely spaced tabs being accessibly received in said corresponding pair of oppositely spaced recesses when said pull ring is in its stored position.
22. A snap-on tamper evident closure assembly, comprising:
a snap-on spout including a resiliently flexible sealing ring adapted for sealing receipt onto a container neck;
said sealing ring including a first interlocking lip adapted for interlocking with a corresponding first interlocking lip of the container neck, said sealing ring being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck;
a snap-on cap including a closure member for closure of said spout and an interlocking ring adapted for interlocking receipt onto the container neck over said sealing ring, said closure member being frangibly attached to said interlocking ring;
said interlocking ring including a second interlocking lip adapted for interlocking with a corresponding second interlocking lip of the container neck, said interlocking ring being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck;
wherein said second interlocking lip of said interlocking ring extends below said first interlocking lip of said sealing ring when said spout and said cap are received onto the container neck to interlock with the container neck independent of said sealing ring.
a snap-on spout including a resiliently flexible sealing ring adapted for sealing receipt onto a container neck;
said sealing ring including a first interlocking lip adapted for interlocking with a corresponding first interlocking lip of the container neck, said sealing ring being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck;
a snap-on cap including a closure member for closure of said spout and an interlocking ring adapted for interlocking receipt onto the container neck over said sealing ring, said closure member being frangibly attached to said interlocking ring;
said interlocking ring including a second interlocking lip adapted for interlocking with a corresponding second interlocking lip of the container neck, said interlocking ring being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck;
wherein said second interlocking lip of said interlocking ring extends below said first interlocking lip of said sealing ring when said spout and said cap are received onto the container neck to interlock with the container neck independent of said sealing ring.
23. The closure system of claim 22, wherein said sealing ring is generally U-shaped in cross-section.
24. The closure system of claim 22, wherein said spout includes a pouring neck disposed within said sealing ring and a flexible web sealingly attached between said pouring neck and said sealing ring, said spout being movable between a stored position nested within said sealing ring and an extended position upstanding from aid sealing ring.
25. The closure system of claim 24, wherein said pouring neck includes a frangible sealing diaphragm sealingly attached thereacross and a pull ring attached to said frangible sealing diaphragm.
26. The closure system of claim 24, wherein said spout includes a plurality of ears attached to said flexible web, said ears extending downwardly from said flexible web when said spout is in its stored position and said ears extending radially inwardly within said spout and cooperating to define a central flow aperture and a plurality of peripheral vent openings when said spout is in its extended position.
27. The closure system of claim 22, wherein said cap includes a pull ring flexible between a stored position flush with said cap and a usable position upstanding from said cap, said pull ring being frangibly attached to said interlocking ring in an initial stored position.
28. The closure system of claim 27, wherein said pull ring includes a pair of oppositely spaced tabs extending radially outward therefrom and said interlocking ring includes a corresponding pair of oppositely spaced recesses for receiving said pair of oppositely spaced tabs, said pair of oppositely spaced tabs being accessibly received in said corresponding pair of oppositely spaced recesses when said pull ring is in its stored position.
29. The closure system of claim 22, wherein said interlocking ring includes a restraining lip axially displaced opposite from said second interlocking lip, said restraining lip cooperating with said second interlocking lip to restrain said sealing ring in sealing contact with the container neck when said spout and said cap are received onto the container neck.
30. The closure system of claim 22, wherein said closure member includes means for threading onto said spout for closure thereof and said spout includes corresponding thread means for receiving said cap.
31. A closure assembly, comprising:
a container neck extending axially from a container, said container neck including an inner sealing surface and an outer sealing surface;
a spout including a sealing ring for sealing receipt onto said container neck;
said sealing ring including an inner sealing ring portion for sealing against the inner sealing surface of said container neck, an outer sealing ring portion for sealing against the outer sealing surface of said container neck, and a transverse sealing ring portion attached between said inner sealing ring portion and said outer sealing ring portion and bridging said container neck; and means for axially restraining said sealing ring against said container neck;
wherein said means for axially restraining defines a pivot for said sealing ring to roll thereagainst when said inner sealing ring portion is forced out of sealing contact against the inner sealing surface of said container neck, said sealing ring rolling about said means for axially restraining to increase the sealing contact of said outer sealing ring portion against the outer sealing surface of said container neck.
a container neck extending axially from a container, said container neck including an inner sealing surface and an outer sealing surface;
a spout including a sealing ring for sealing receipt onto said container neck;
said sealing ring including an inner sealing ring portion for sealing against the inner sealing surface of said container neck, an outer sealing ring portion for sealing against the outer sealing surface of said container neck, and a transverse sealing ring portion attached between said inner sealing ring portion and said outer sealing ring portion and bridging said container neck; and means for axially restraining said sealing ring against said container neck;
wherein said means for axially restraining defines a pivot for said sealing ring to roll thereagainst when said inner sealing ring portion is forced out of sealing contact against the inner sealing surface of said container neck, said sealing ring rolling about said means for axially restraining to increase the sealing contact of said outer sealing ring portion against the outer sealing surface of said container neck.
32. The closure system of claim 31, wherein said means for axially restraining said sealing ring against said container neck includes:
a first interlocking lip extending radially outward from said container neck;
a interlocking ring for restraining said sealing ring against said container neck, said interlocking ring including a restraining lip extending radially inward therefrom and a second interlocking lip extending radially inward therefrom axially below said restraining lip;
said second interlocking lip interlocking with said first interlocking lip to restrain said sealing ring between said container neck and said restraining lip.
a first interlocking lip extending radially outward from said container neck;
a interlocking ring for restraining said sealing ring against said container neck, said interlocking ring including a restraining lip extending radially inward therefrom and a second interlocking lip extending radially inward therefrom axially below said restraining lip;
said second interlocking lip interlocking with said first interlocking lip to restrain said sealing ring between said container neck and said restraining lip.
33. The closure system of claim 32, wherein said transverse sealing ring portion includes a lip extending radially outward therefrom for reacting against said restraining lip when said sealing ring is rolled thereagainst.
34. A method for assembling a closure onto a container neck, comprising the steps of:
obtaining a spout including means for sealing onto a container neck and first means for axially interlocking said spout with the container neck, said first means being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck;
obtaining a cap including means for closing of said spout and second means for axially interlocking said cap with said container neck, said second means being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck;
assembling said cap onto said spout to form a cap and spout assembly; and axially assembling said cap and spout assembly onto the container neck, said first means and said second means resiliently flexing to snap independent of one another onto the container neck.
obtaining a spout including means for sealing onto a container neck and first means for axially interlocking said spout with the container neck, said first means being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck;
obtaining a cap including means for closing of said spout and second means for axially interlocking said cap with said container neck, said second means being resiliently flexible to snap onto the container neck;
assembling said cap onto said spout to form a cap and spout assembly; and axially assembling said cap and spout assembly onto the container neck, said first means and said second means resiliently flexing to snap independent of one another onto the container neck.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein:
in the step of obtaining a cap, said means for closing includes means for threading said cap onto said spout; and in the step of assembling said cap onto said spout, said cap is rotationally threaded onto said spout.
in the step of obtaining a cap, said means for closing includes means for threading said cap onto said spout; and in the step of assembling said cap onto said spout, said cap is rotationally threaded onto said spout.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US4677893A | 1993-04-13 | 1993-04-13 | |
| US08/046,778 | 1993-04-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2119695A1 true CA2119695A1 (en) | 1994-10-14 |
Family
ID=21945347
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2119695 Abandoned CA2119695A1 (en) | 1993-04-13 | 1994-03-23 | Snap-on closure system and method |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0620160A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH06345111A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU5902694A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9401463A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2119695A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5641099A (en) * | 1995-12-08 | 1997-06-24 | Rieke Corporation | Nestable pouring spout assembly |
| IT1297712B1 (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 1999-12-20 | Invat Srl | REMOVABLE CAP FOR CONTAINERS WITH LID MANEUVERING WING AND EXTERNAL GUARANTEE RING. |
| DE19807768A1 (en) * | 1998-02-24 | 1999-08-26 | Bericap Gmbh & Co | Closure for bucket or tub-shaped plastic container has inwards directed |
| US20070284398A1 (en) * | 2006-06-12 | 2007-12-13 | Baughman Gary M | Container closure assembly with extendable spout and tamper-evident portion |
| TR201007184T2 (en) * | 2008-02-27 | 2011-03-21 | Apc Products Ltd. | Caps adapted for automatic embedding molding for plastic containers |
| EP2418157A1 (en) | 2010-08-13 | 2012-02-15 | Ball Packaging Europe GmbH | Lid attachment for metal can and method of attaching a lid to a metal can |
| ITFI20130151A1 (en) * | 2013-06-27 | 2014-12-28 | Ta Plast S R L Fa | A REFINEMENT OF A POURER CAP FOR FOOD BOTTLES FOR OIL CONTAINMENT |
| GB2544028A (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2017-05-03 | Rieke Corp | Closure for a container lid |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5930070A (en) * | 1982-08-13 | 1984-02-17 | Kokusai Denshin Denwa Co Ltd <Kdd> | Inspection of large scale memory apparatus |
| US4632282A (en) * | 1984-03-02 | 1986-12-30 | Hirohisa Nagashima | Spout assembly |
| US4555048A (en) * | 1984-05-16 | 1985-11-26 | Rieke Corporation | Vented nestable pouring spout |
| FR2609968B2 (en) * | 1986-11-12 | 1989-06-02 | Remy Ets Pierre | RETRACTABLE AND EXPANDABLE SPOUT DEVICE |
| NL8800929A (en) * | 1988-04-11 | 1989-11-01 | Leer Koninklijke Emballage | HOLDER OR BARREL. |
| EP0417453A1 (en) * | 1989-09-11 | 1991-03-20 | Invat S.R.L. | Draw-out cap for bottle or can containers with tamper-proof ring |
| DE4104613A1 (en) * | 1991-02-15 | 1992-08-20 | Berg Jacob Gmbh Co Kg | CAP FOR PLASTIC LOCKING |
-
1994
- 1994-03-23 CA CA 2119695 patent/CA2119695A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-03-23 AU AU59026/94A patent/AU5902694A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-03-31 EP EP94302361A patent/EP0620160A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1994-04-11 BR BR9401463A patent/BR9401463A/en active Search and Examination
- 1994-04-13 JP JP6074805A patent/JPH06345111A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BR9401463A (en) | 1994-10-18 |
| JPH06345111A (en) | 1994-12-20 |
| AU5902694A (en) | 1994-10-20 |
| EP0620160A3 (en) | 1994-12-21 |
| EP0620160A2 (en) | 1994-10-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |