CA2223249C - Container-closure assembly - Google Patents
Container-closure assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2223249C CA2223249C CA002223249A CA2223249A CA2223249C CA 2223249 C CA2223249 C CA 2223249C CA 002223249 A CA002223249 A CA 002223249A CA 2223249 A CA2223249 A CA 2223249A CA 2223249 C CA2223249 C CA 2223249C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- nozzle
- diaphragm
- tube
- tube assembly
- 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.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
- B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
- B65D51/22—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure
- B65D51/221—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening
- B65D51/222—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening the piercing or cutting means being integral with, or fixedly attached to, the outer closure
-
- 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
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
- B65D2251/0015—Upper closure of the 41-type
-
- 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
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/0093—Membrane
- B65D2251/0096—Membrane integral with the container
Abstract
A cap (12) and tube (16) assembly comprising a tube (16) for containing a product and a cap (12) for closing an opening in the tube. The tube (16) has a nozzle (18) at one end with a diaphragm (28) puncturable to provide a discharge opening for dispensing of products. The cap (12) is engageable over the nozzle and has a means for puncturing (32) depending inwardly from the top of the cap and operable upon actuation of the cap (12) relative to the nozzle (18) to puncture the diaphragm (28). Ribs (50) on the interior of the cap snugly embrace the nozzle (18) during axial movement of the cap to ensure alignment of the piercing element (32) with the diaphragm (28) during the piercing operation.
Description
CONTAINER-CLOSURE ASSEMBLY
TECHNICAL FIELD
= The present invention relates to container closure assemblies and more specifically to so called unit dose assemblies.
TECHNICAL FIELD
= The present invention relates to container closure assemblies and more specifically to so called unit dose assemblies.
BACKGROUND ART
Container closures of the type to which the present invention relates are not new per se.
The patents listed below show generally unit dose packages of the type to which the present invention relates.
UNIT DOSE ASSEMBLY
United States Patent No. 5,052,589 UNIT DOSE ASSEMBLY
United States Patent No. 5,042,690 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Even though these designs are generally suitable for the purposes intended, it has been found that on occasion, the caps tend to tilt or cock to the point where when the cap is pushed inwardly to penetrate the diaphragm, the pierc:ing elenients aligns with a thick wall portion surrounding the diaphragm thus jamming the piercing operation.
With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container-closure design including novel alignnient ineans for ensuring accurate penetration of the diaphragm even when the pressure exerted by the user s s not in a truly axial direction, thereby obviating and elimiiiating the problems of prior assemblies of this type discussed above.
According to the present invention, there is provided a cap and tube assembly comprising:
a tube for containing a product;
a step nozzle at one end of the tube including a tip portion of reduced cross section connected tc- a lower portion by a wall portion;
means defining a thin wall portion forming a puncturable diaphragin in the axial end of the tip portion to provide a discharge opening for dispensirig the product;
a cap engageable over the nozzle havirig puncturing iiiteans depending ittwardly from a top surface of the cap operable upon actuation of the ca.p relative to the nozzle from an unarmed position of the cap to puncture the diaphragm; and a plurality of circunlferentially spaced ribs having irnier edges extending axially from the top of the cap to a point below the tip of the piercing element snugly engaging the tip portion in the unarmed position of the cap with t.he tip portion spaced above the diaphragm.
Container closures of the type to which the present invention relates are not new per se.
The patents listed below show generally unit dose packages of the type to which the present invention relates.
UNIT DOSE ASSEMBLY
United States Patent No. 5,052,589 UNIT DOSE ASSEMBLY
United States Patent No. 5,042,690 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Even though these designs are generally suitable for the purposes intended, it has been found that on occasion, the caps tend to tilt or cock to the point where when the cap is pushed inwardly to penetrate the diaphragm, the pierc:ing elenients aligns with a thick wall portion surrounding the diaphragm thus jamming the piercing operation.
With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container-closure design including novel alignnient ineans for ensuring accurate penetration of the diaphragm even when the pressure exerted by the user s s not in a truly axial direction, thereby obviating and elimiiiating the problems of prior assemblies of this type discussed above.
According to the present invention, there is provided a cap and tube assembly comprising:
a tube for containing a product;
a step nozzle at one end of the tube including a tip portion of reduced cross section connected tc- a lower portion by a wall portion;
means defining a thin wall portion forming a puncturable diaphragin in the axial end of the tip portion to provide a discharge opening for dispensirig the product;
a cap engageable over the nozzle havirig puncturing iiiteans depending ittwardly from a top surface of the cap operable upon actuation of the ca.p relative to the nozzle from an unarmed position of the cap to puncture the diaphragm; and a plurality of circunlferentially spaced ribs having irnier edges extending axially from the top of the cap to a point below the tip of the piercing element snugly engaging the tip portion in the unarmed position of the cap with t.he tip portion spaced above the diaphragm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects of the present invention and the various features and details of ' the operation and construction thereof are hereinafter more fully set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein;
Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a container-closure assembly incorporating the present invention;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on lines 2-2 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on lines 3-3 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4a is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the cap;
Fig. 4b is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the nozzle end of the tube;
and Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view partly in section showing the cap activated to a diaphragm piercing position.
MT MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE IIWENTION
Referring now the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1-3 thereof, there is illustrated a unit dose container-closure assembly incorporating the present invention. The assembly essentially comprises a tube (10) and a cap (12) both made out of a plastic material such as 5 polypropylene (polyethylene). The container (10) has a body portion (16) having a stepped neck or nozzle portion (18) connected to the body portion by a transition wall (20) of generally frusto conical configuration. The nozzle (18) includes a lower generally cylindrical portion (22) and a tip portion (24) of reduced cross-section connected by a frusto conical wall portion (26). The axial end face of the tip portion (24) is of reduced cross-section to define a diaphragm (28).
It is noted that the nozzle has been configured to reduce to a diameter approximately the same as a so called luer fitment so that the tube can fit on the end of a standard injection needle or can be inserted in various types of devices used in administering drugs intravenously.
The cap (12) as illustrated is of generally cylindrical shape having a top wall (30) and a centrally depending piercing element (32) having a biased piercing tip (T).
The cap and tube are provide with interengaging locking means, in the present instance, comprising a radially outwardly directed circumferentially extending rib (34) on the nozzle portion (18) and a circumferentially extending groove (36) on the interior sidewall (40) of the cap. The groove (36) is spaced downwardly a predetermined distance D from the piercing tip (T) of the piercing element (32) so that the tip is spaced above the diaphragm (28), when the rib (34) and groove (36) are interengaged in the manner shown in Fig. 2. This is the unarmed position of the assembfy. The lower terminal edge of the sidewall (40) is beveled outwardly to engage more readily over the rib (34) when the cap is assembled to the tube. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the cap is knurled as at (41) adjacent the lower edge of the sidewall or skirt portion to facilitate gripping by the user for applying and removing the cap.
In accordance with the present invention, means is provided for guiding the piercing element so that upon activation of the cap, the piercing element (32) engages the diaphragm (28).
To this end, guides in the form of ribs (50) are provided on the interior wall of the cap adjacent the top wall (30). In the present instance, there are four (4) circumferentially equi spaced ribs (50) which extend a distance Di from the top (30) beyond the piercing point (34) so that the tip portion (24) engages interiorly of the ribs (50) in the manner shown in Fig. 2. The The circular trace defined by the inner edge (54) of the ribs (50) is preferably only slightly greater in diameter than the outer diameter of the tip portion (24) so that the cap is guided in a truly axial direction when pushed inwardly to activate the system. The ribs (50) have a beveled lower inner edge as at (56) to easily engage over the rounded edge tip portion (24).
Even though a particular embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described herein, it is not intended to limit the invention and changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the following claims.
These and other objects of the present invention and the various features and details of ' the operation and construction thereof are hereinafter more fully set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein;
Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a container-closure assembly incorporating the present invention;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on lines 2-2 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on lines 3-3 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4a is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the cap;
Fig. 4b is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the nozzle end of the tube;
and Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view partly in section showing the cap activated to a diaphragm piercing position.
MT MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE IIWENTION
Referring now the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1-3 thereof, there is illustrated a unit dose container-closure assembly incorporating the present invention. The assembly essentially comprises a tube (10) and a cap (12) both made out of a plastic material such as 5 polypropylene (polyethylene). The container (10) has a body portion (16) having a stepped neck or nozzle portion (18) connected to the body portion by a transition wall (20) of generally frusto conical configuration. The nozzle (18) includes a lower generally cylindrical portion (22) and a tip portion (24) of reduced cross-section connected by a frusto conical wall portion (26). The axial end face of the tip portion (24) is of reduced cross-section to define a diaphragm (28).
It is noted that the nozzle has been configured to reduce to a diameter approximately the same as a so called luer fitment so that the tube can fit on the end of a standard injection needle or can be inserted in various types of devices used in administering drugs intravenously.
The cap (12) as illustrated is of generally cylindrical shape having a top wall (30) and a centrally depending piercing element (32) having a biased piercing tip (T).
The cap and tube are provide with interengaging locking means, in the present instance, comprising a radially outwardly directed circumferentially extending rib (34) on the nozzle portion (18) and a circumferentially extending groove (36) on the interior sidewall (40) of the cap. The groove (36) is spaced downwardly a predetermined distance D from the piercing tip (T) of the piercing element (32) so that the tip is spaced above the diaphragm (28), when the rib (34) and groove (36) are interengaged in the manner shown in Fig. 2. This is the unarmed position of the assembfy. The lower terminal edge of the sidewall (40) is beveled outwardly to engage more readily over the rib (34) when the cap is assembled to the tube. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the cap is knurled as at (41) adjacent the lower edge of the sidewall or skirt portion to facilitate gripping by the user for applying and removing the cap.
In accordance with the present invention, means is provided for guiding the piercing element so that upon activation of the cap, the piercing element (32) engages the diaphragm (28).
To this end, guides in the form of ribs (50) are provided on the interior wall of the cap adjacent the top wall (30). In the present instance, there are four (4) circumferentially equi spaced ribs (50) which extend a distance Di from the top (30) beyond the piercing point (34) so that the tip portion (24) engages interiorly of the ribs (50) in the manner shown in Fig. 2. The The circular trace defined by the inner edge (54) of the ribs (50) is preferably only slightly greater in diameter than the outer diameter of the tip portion (24) so that the cap is guided in a truly axial direction when pushed inwardly to activate the system. The ribs (50) have a beveled lower inner edge as at (56) to easily engage over the rounded edge tip portion (24).
Even though a particular embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described herein, it is not intended to limit the invention and changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (6)
1. A cap and tube assembly comprising:
a tube for containing a product;
a step nozzle at one end of the tube including a tip portion of reduced cross section connected to a lower portion by a wall portion;
means defining a thin wall portion forming a puncturable diaphragm in an axial end of the tip portion to provide a discharge opening for dispensing the product;
a cap engageable over the nozzle having a piercing element depending inwardly from a top surface of the cap operable upon actuation of the cap relative to the nozzle from an unarmed position of the cap to puncture the diaphragm; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs having inner edges extending axially from the top of the cap to a point below a tip of the piercing element snugly engaging the tip portion in the unarmed position of the cap with the tip portion spaced above the diaphragm.
a tube for containing a product;
a step nozzle at one end of the tube including a tip portion of reduced cross section connected to a lower portion by a wall portion;
means defining a thin wall portion forming a puncturable diaphragm in an axial end of the tip portion to provide a discharge opening for dispensing the product;
a cap engageable over the nozzle having a piercing element depending inwardly from a top surface of the cap operable upon actuation of the cap relative to the nozzle from an unarmed position of the cap to puncture the diaphragm; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs having inner edges extending axially from the top of the cap to a point below a tip of the piercing element snugly engaging the tip portion in the unarmed position of the cap with the tip portion spaced above the diaphragm.
2. The cap and tube assembly as claimed in claim 1 including interengaging means on the cap and lower portion of the nozzle to normally position the cap in said unarmed position.
3. A cap and tube assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said interengaging means comprises a circumferentially extending radially outwardly directed rib on the lower portion of the nozzle and a circumferentially extending groove on an interior side wall of the cap spaced upwardly from a lower terminal edge of the cap.
4. A cap and tube assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cap has a downwardly extending skirt having a lower terminal edge and the lower terminal edge of the skirt is beveled.
5. A cap and tube assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ribs are equispaced circumferentially on an interior side wall of the cap.
6. A cap and tube assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the ribs are generally elongated and rectangular and each rib has an inner terminal edge which is beveled to function as a pilot portion when the cap is engaged initially over the nozzle an(i the inner edge of the ribs engages the tip of the nozzle adjacent the diaphragm.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US49368795A | 1995-06-22 | 1995-06-22 | |
| US08/493,687 | 1995-06-22 | ||
| US08/512,291 US5590798A (en) | 1995-08-08 | 1995-08-08 | Container-closure assembly |
| US08/512,291 | 1995-08-08 | ||
| PCT/US1996/010627 WO1997000816A1 (en) | 1995-06-22 | 1996-06-19 | Container-closure assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2223249A1 CA2223249A1 (en) | 1997-01-09 |
| CA2223249C true CA2223249C (en) | 2007-12-18 |
Family
ID=27051145
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002223249A Expired - Fee Related CA2223249C (en) | 1995-06-22 | 1996-06-19 | Container-closure assembly |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0842090A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU700814B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2223249C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997000816A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5992668A (en) * | 1996-07-11 | 1999-11-30 | Aptargroup, Inc. | Sealed dispensing closure with a sealed penetrator |
| GB2328935A (en) * | 1997-09-09 | 1999-03-10 | Merck & Co Inc | Method for producing a uniform flow control orifice |
| US6126037A (en) * | 1997-09-09 | 2000-10-03 | Merck & Co., Inc. | Flow control orifice |
| US5853109A (en) * | 1998-04-29 | 1998-12-29 | Aptargroup, Inc. | Dispensing structure with displaceable penetrator and bistable cover actuator |
| US6003728A (en) * | 1998-10-22 | 1999-12-21 | Aptargroup, Inc. | Dispensing structure with an openable member for separating two products |
| US8070014B2 (en) | 2007-08-24 | 2011-12-06 | Seaquist Closures L.L.C. | Liner piercing twist closure |
| FR3050184B1 (en) * | 2016-04-19 | 2018-10-12 | Albea Services | PERFORATOR CAP IN PARTICULAR FOR A FLEXIBLE TUBE |
| EP3235754B1 (en) * | 2016-04-19 | 2021-11-03 | Albéa Services | Assembly for closing a tube and tube therewith |
| FR3050187B1 (en) * | 2016-04-19 | 2020-10-23 | Albea Services | PUNCH PLUG, ESPECIALLY FOR SOFT TUBE |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4170316A (en) * | 1974-12-05 | 1979-10-09 | Labarbera Mannie | Over-cap closure device |
| US4150761A (en) * | 1977-07-13 | 1979-04-24 | Schenley Industries, Inc. | Bottle closure-cup assembly |
| IT206497Z2 (en) * | 1985-12-31 | 1987-08-10 | Lameplast Di Ferrari & C Snc S | PLASTIC CONTAINER FOR THE CONTROLLED DISPENSING OF DUST AND LIQUIDS IN DROPS, EQUIPPED WITH PERFORATING CLOSING CAPS OPERABLE AT THE TIME OF USE |
| US5052589A (en) * | 1990-02-08 | 1991-10-01 | Cp Packaging, Inc. | Unit dose assembly |
-
1996
- 1996-06-19 WO PCT/US1996/010627 patent/WO1997000816A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-06-19 CA CA002223249A patent/CA2223249C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-06-19 EP EP96921710A patent/EP0842090A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-06-19 AU AU62854/96A patent/AU700814B2/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU6285496A (en) | 1997-01-22 |
| EP0842090A1 (en) | 1998-05-20 |
| AU700814B2 (en) | 1999-01-14 |
| CA2223249A1 (en) | 1997-01-09 |
| WO1997000816A1 (en) | 1997-01-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |