CN117835865A

CN117835865A - Closure and container with removable applicator

Info

Publication number: CN117835865A
Application number: CN202280056257.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赖裕来; 凌子惠; M·Y·夫
Original assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Current assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2021-08-13
Filing date: 2022-08-02
Publication date: 2024-04-05
Also published as: CN219438432U; WO2023016857A1

Abstract

A closure for a container and a container including the closure are disclosed. The closure comprises a removable applicator which can be easily installed and removed.

Description

Closure and container with removable applicator

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a closure and a container comprising the closure. Such a container is suitable for holding personal care products. In particular, the closure comprises a removable applicator which can be conveniently mounted and removed.

Background

Some cosmetics are contained in cans or similar containers. When a user uses a cosmetic, they typically use their fingers to remove the cosmetic from the container. As a result, the cosmetics in the container may be contaminated by their fingers and cause sanitary problems to the cosmetics.

The present inventors have recognized that there is a need and therefore have developed a closure comprising a removable applicator. Such a removable applicator may be used to remove cosmetic product from a container. The removable applicator is designed such that it can be installed from multiple sides and easily removed. Thus, the user can randomly and conveniently install the detachable applicator into the attachment mechanism. At the same time, the removable applicator does not accidentally come off the attachment mechanism and onto the product inside the container, for example when the lid is closed or the container is transported. Furthermore, even if the lid has a certain transparency, since the removable applicator is perpendicular to the lid, the removable applicator is less obvious to the user when the lid is closed.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a closure for a container, comprising a cap (1) and a removable applicator (3), wherein: (a) The lid (1) comprises a lid top (11) and an attachment mechanism (2) arranged on the lid top (11); (b) The detachable applicator (3) is attached vertically to the cap top (11) by means of an attachment mechanism (2); (c) The removable applicator (3) comprises a proximal side (32 a) close to the cap top and a distal side (32 b) opposite to the proximal side; (d) Both the proximal and distal sides (32 a,32 b) have substantially the same profile as the portion of the cap top (11) where the proximal side (32 a) is located.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a container comprising a closure of the invention.

These and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and examples that follow.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a container according to the present invention when the lid is opened.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the container shown in fig. 1 with the removable applicator removed.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the bayonet of the container shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a top (and bottom) view of the removable applicator of the container shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the removable applicator of the container shown in fig. 4, taken along the line AA'.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the container lid shown in fig. 1 with the lid in a fully open position and with the removable applicator mounted.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lid shown in fig. 6 along the dashed line BB'.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cap shown in fig. 6 along the dotted line CC'.

Fig. 9 is a top (and bottom) view of another preferred embodiment of a removable applicator that may be mounted into a container as shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the removable applicator shown in fig. 9 along the dashed line DD'.

Description of the reference numerals

1: cover

11: cover top

12: peripheral skirt

13: inner skirt

14. 15: crescent shaped indentation

2: attachment mechanism

21: clamping pin

211: buckle beam

212: protruding member

213. 214: support member

22. 23: first support pair

24. 25: second support pair

3: detachable applicator

31: applicator panel

32a,32 b: proximal side, distal side

33a,33b,33c, 33d: concave part

34: horizontal plane

35a, 35b, 35c, 35d: protrusions

4: fitting parts

5: hinge

6: container body

Detailed Description

Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are optionally to be understood as modified by the word "about".

It should be noted that any particular upper value may be associated with any particular lower value when any numerical range is specified.

For the avoidance of doubt, the word "comprising" is intended to mean "including", but not necessarily "consisting of … …" or "consisting of … …". In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive.

The disclosure of the invention found herein should be considered to cover all embodiments found in the claims which are mutually multi-referenced, irrespective of the fact that the claims are found without multiple references or redundancy.

If a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (e.g., an article of manufacture of the invention), that disclosure should also be taken as a comparison to any other aspect of the invention (e.g., a method of the invention).

As used herein, "substantially" generally refers to the complete or near complete scope or extent of a feature, attribute, state, structure, or result. In some cases, the precise degree of allowable deviation from absolute integrity may depend on the particular context, but in general, the degree of near-integrity will have the same overall result as that obtained for absolute integrity and overall integrity.

According to the invention, both the proximal and distal sides of the removable applicator have substantially the same profile as the cap portion where the proximal side is located (i.e. the cap portion where the removable applicator is vertically attached to the cap by the attachment mechanism). In this way, the detachable applicator may be attached to the attachment mechanism from the proximal and distal sides, such that the detachable applicator may be positioned on top of the cap in a stable position from the proximal and distal sides.

The user can randomly and conveniently install the removable applicator into the attachment mechanism. "substantially identical profile" generally refers not only to identical profiles, but also to profile differences within 20%, preferably 10%, more preferably 5%, expressed as the average radius of curvature of the profile. The difference can be used (r ₁ -r ₂ )/r ₁ Representation, where r ₁ Refers to the average radius of curvature, r, of the proximal (or distal) profile ₂ Refers to the average radius of curvature of the profile of the cap top portion where the proximal side is located.

Preferably, the cap includes a peripheral skirt, a cap top extending inwardly from a top of the peripheral skirt, and an attachment mechanism disposed on the cap top. Preferably, the cap further comprises an inner skirt substantially parallel to and within the peripheral skirt. Preferably the height of the inner skirt is less than the height of the outer peripheral skirt. For clarity, the attachment mechanism is provided inside the cover. Preferably, the projection of the cover top has a substantially circular or oval shape. "substantially parallel" generally refers not only to perfectly parallel, but also to absolute angular differences within 10 degrees (preferably within 5 degrees), as is applicable in other parts of the specification.

Preferably the removable applicator is attached to the cap by a form fit. Preferably, the attachment mechanism comprises a bayonet for snap-fitting the detachable applicator, preferably the bayonet is designed to snap-fit the detachable applicator and ensure that the detachable applicator can be easily installed and uninstalled. Preferably, the attachment mechanism comprises at least one support element to support the detachable applicator. Thus, the removable applicator is sufficiently secured to ensure that the removable applicator does not accidentally come off the top of the lid, such as when the lid is opened or closed, or when shipping a container that includes a closure.

Preferably, the support element comprises at least two support pairs. Preferably, the bayonet is substantially centrally disposed between the first support pair and the second support pair. Preferably the bayonet and the two pairs of supports are positioned substantially in a straight line.

Preferably the bayonet comprises a snap beam positioned perpendicular to the cap top, protruding members at the top and front of the snap beam to snap fit with the removable applicator. Preferably, the bayonet comprises a support member to support the snap beam.

Preferably, the removable applicator has an elongated shape, more preferably the removable applicator is an elongated plate. Preferably the aspect ratio of the removable applicator is from 1.5:1 to 10:1, more preferably from 2:1 to 8:1, even more preferably from 3:1 to 6:1. Preferably, the removable applicator has a width to thickness ratio of from 4:1 to 50:1, more preferably from 8:1 to 25:1.

In order that the removable applicator may be conveniently mounted, the removable applicator preferably has a substantially planar symmetry. More preferably the removable applicator has a substantially planar symmetry with respect to the horizontal plane. More preferably, the detachable applicator has a substantially planar symmetry with respect to the vertical plane. Even more preferably, the removable applicator has substantial plane symmetry with respect to both the horizontal plane and the vertical plane. Still even more preferably, the detachable applicator has substantially triple plane symmetry. The term "substantially planar symmetry" generally refers not only to precise planar symmetry, but also includes the case where an object may be divided into two halves by a plane and at least 90% (preferably at least 95%, more preferably 99%) of the first half is a reflection of the other half across the plane.

The removable applicator has a proximal side and a distal side with respect to the cap top. The proximal and distal sides of the removable applicator have substantially the same profile as the cap portion where the proximal side is located. In this way, the detachable applicator is located on top of the cap in a stable position from both sides. Thus, the proximal side and the distal side are switchable.

Preferably, the detachable applicator comprises at least two, more preferably at least four symmetrical snap connectors, wherein each snap connector is capable of snap-fitting the attachment mechanism. Preferably, the snap connector is symmetrical with respect to the horizontal plane and/or the vertical plane. More preferably, the snap connector is symmetrical with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes. Such that the removable applicator may be mounted from either direction or from either side. Preferably, the snap connector is a protrusion or recess for a snap fit attachment mechanism, in particular a bayonet of the attachment mechanism.

Preferably, the length of the removable applicator is substantially the same as the length of the cap top. As used herein, the crown length refers to the distance between nearest skirts along the direction in which the removable applicator is positioned. So that the removable applicator can be attached in a relatively fixed position. Preferably, the thickness of the removable applicator is substantially the same as the distance between each support pair. So that the removable applicator can be easily removed but does not fall off when the lid is in the closed position.

Preferably, the closure of the present invention comprises a lid and a fitment, wherein the lid is pivotably connected to the fitment, preferably by a hinge.

Preferably, the container of the present invention comprises the closure and container body of the present invention. Preferably, the opening of the container body is releasably secured by a closure. Preferably, the fitment is coupled to an opening of the container body.

Preferably the container is made of the materials polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polyvinyl chloride or mixtures thereof.

The container may be used to store any suitable viscous consumer product, such as personal care products including creams, moisturizers, hair conditioners, shampoos, facial washes, deodorants; home care products and foods. Preferably, the container is for storing skin care and/or hair care products, more preferably leave-on products. The term "leave-on" as used with reference to the products herein refers to products that are applied to or rubbed onto the skin and/or hair and left on the skin and/or hair.

Example

The following examples are provided in fig. 1 to 10 to facilitate understanding of the present invention. This example is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

As shown in fig. 1, a preferred embodiment of a container according to the invention comprises a closure for holding consumer goods and a container body 6. The container body 6 is delimited by a closed bottom end and an open top opening. The open top opening of the container body 6 is releasably secured by a closure. The closure comprises a lid 1, a fitment 4 and a hinge 5. Fitment 4 is coupled to the open top opening of container body 6. The lid 1 is hinged to the fitment 4 by a hinge 5 and releasably seals the container body 6 in the closed position.

The cap 1 comprises a peripheral skirt 12, a cap top 11 extending inwardly from the top of the peripheral skirt 12, an inner skirt 13 extending downwardly from the cap top 11, and an attachment mechanism 2 provided on the cap top 11. Crescent-shaped indentations 14, 15 facing each other are embossed in the top and bottom sides of the top 11. The detachable applicator 3 is attached to the cap top 11 by means of the attachment mechanism 2 and is perpendicular to the cap top 11.

As shown in fig. 2, the detachable applicator 3 is detached from the attachment mechanism 2. The attachment mechanism 2 comprises a bayonet 21 for snap-fitting the detachable applicator 3, a first pair of supports 22, 23 and a second pair of supports 24, 25 arranged to the left and right of the bayonet 21, respectively, for supporting the detachable applicator 3. The bayonet 21, the first pair of supports 22, 23 and the second pair of supports 24, 25 are positioned side by side and substantially in line.

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of the bayonet 21. The bayonet 21 comprises a snap beam 211, which is positioned perpendicular to the cover top 11, a protruding member 212 at the top and front of the snap beam 211 to snap fit with the detachable applicator 3, and two support members 213, 214 at the back of the snap beam 211 to provide support.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the first preferred detachable applicator 3 comprises an applicator panel 31 (which is an elongated sheet) and four recesses 33a,33b,33c, 33d located symmetrically at the applicator panel 31 with respect to a horizontal plane 34. The removable applicator 3 has substantially the same profile with respect to the proximal side 32a and distal side 32b of the cap top 11.

Fig. 6 and 7 show how the removable applicator 3 is mounted to the cap 1. The detachable applicator 3 is inserted into the first pair of supports 22, 23 and the second pair of supports 24, 25. The thickness of the detachable applicator 3 is substantially the same as the distance between the first pair of supports 22, 23 and also as the distance between the second pair of supports 24, 25. The protruding member 212 of the bayonet 21 is snap-fitted with the recess 33a,33b,33c or 33d. The protruding member 212 and the recess 33a,33b,33c or 33d are configured in such a way that the detachable applicator 3 can be detached very easily, but does not fall off when the lid is in the closed position and the container is moved.

Fig. 6 and 7 show how the removable applicator 3 is mounted to the cap 1. The removable applicator is inserted into the first pair of supports 22, 23 and the second pair of supports 24, 25. The thickness of the detachable applicator 3 is substantially the same as the distance between the first pair of supports 22, 23 and also as the distance between the second pair of supports 24, 25. The protruding member 212 of the bayonet 21 is snap-fitted with the recess 33a,33b,33c or 33d. The protruding member 212 and the recess 33a,33b,33c or 33d are configured in such a way that the detachable applicator 3 can be detached very easily, but does not trigger a drop due to the act of closing the lid or transporting the container.

As shown in fig. 8, both the proximal side 32a and the distal side 32b have substantially the same profile as the portion of the cover top 11 where the proximal side 32a is seated. So that the detachable applicator 3 can be attached to the attachment mechanism 2 in a fixed position from either side. Thus, the proximal side and the distal side are switchable.

Fig. 9 and 10 show a second preferred detachable applicator 3. The second preferred detachable applicator 3 comprises the same applicator panel, but the four protrusions 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d are located symmetrically with respect to the horizontal plane 34 at the applicator panel 31. The removable applicator 3 has substantially the same profile with respect to the proximal side 32a and distal side 32b of the cap top 11. The positions of the four protrusions 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d are slightly different from the positions of the four recesses 33a,33b,33c, 33d so that they can be snap-fitted with the same attachment mechanism 2.

When in use, a user can easily open the cap and remove the removable applicator 3. The removable applicator 3 is utilized to remove the contents and cosmetic product from the container body 6. After application, the user can easily and conveniently insert the detachable applicator 3 into the attachment mechanism 2 from either direction or from either side.

Claims

1. A closure for a container, the closure comprising a cap (1) and a removable applicator (3), wherein:

(a) The lid (1) comprises a lid top (11) and an attachment mechanism (2) arranged on the lid top (11);

(b) -said detachable applicator (3) is vertically attached to said cap top (11) by means of said attachment mechanism (2);

(c) The removable applicator (3) comprises a proximal side (32 a) close to the cap top and a distal side (32 b) opposite to the proximal side (32 a); and

(d) Both the proximal side (32 a) and the distal side (32 b) have substantially the same profile as the portion of the cap top (11) where the proximal side (32 a) is located.

2. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the detachable applicator (3) is attached to the cap top (11) by a form-locking.

3. A closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment mechanism (2) comprises a bayonet (21) to snap-fit the detachable applicator (3).

4. A closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment mechanism (2) comprises at least one support element to support the detachable applicator (3), preferably the support element comprises a first support pair (22, 23) and a second support pair (24, 25).

5. A closure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bayonet (21) is substantially centrally disposed between the first pair of supports (22, 23) and the second pair of supports (24, 25).

6. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the removable applicator (3) has substantially planar symmetry.

7. A closure according to claim 6, wherein the detachable applicator (3) has a substantially planar symmetry with respect to a horizontal plane (34).

8. A closure according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the detachable applicator (3) has a substantially planar symmetry with respect to a vertical plane.

9. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the removable applicator (3) has substantially triple plane symmetry.

10. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the removable applicator (3) is an elongate plate.

11. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the removable applicator has an aspect ratio of from 1.5:1 to 10:1, preferably from 3:1 to 6:1.

12. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the removable applicator (3) is substantially the same as the length of the cap top (11).

13. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the closure comprises a fitment (4), wherein the lid (1) is pivotably attached to the fitment (4).

14. A container comprising a closure according to any preceding claim and a container body (6).

15. A container according to claim 14, wherein the fitment (4) engages around the open end of the container body (6).