CZ350292A3 - Closure with a flexible suspension for a feeding container - Google Patents

Abstract

A closure for a container (10) having a dispensing nozzle (22) include a central aperture to receive the nozzle. In one embodiment, the nozzle extends through the aperture (40) and projects upwardly from the base cap (32). The base cap further includes a top wall inclined with respect to the central axis of the base cap to assist in dispensing of the contents of the container. A cap lid (34) is hinged to the base cap by a snap hinge assembly.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a closure with a flexible hinge for a dispensing container having a conical discharge nozzle and means for attaching the closure to the nozzle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a general desire that conventional containers, such as collapsible tubes, normally include a closure with a flexible hinge to allow easy opening and closing of the container by the consumer. This ensures that the lid that closes the cartridge after each use does not separate from it. When the lid is detached from the cartridge, it is likely that it may be improperly fitted. It is therefore desirable that the lid remains attached to the container when dispensing the product from the tube.

Dispensers and closures are often used with viscous materials such as dentifrices. Mixtures of dental preparations present special problems that do not occur with other materials. One such difficulty in storing dental preparations is that the container material must contain a suitable protective layer to prevent the absorption of flavor components and oils. Since the closure remains in contact with the dentifrice for a long time, it is important to reduce as much as possible the area of the lid that is in contact with the dentifrice.

The type of closure that the consumer usually prefers is one in which the closure is connected to the body by a snap hinge. This form of closure typically comprises a hinge wherein the closure is biased to the open position during dispensing of the contents and is biased to the closed position at the other time. In order to bias to the closed position when the contents are not dispensed, manual forces are usually required to snap the lid on the body to completely close the tube and to seal the discharge opening.

Latch hinge caps have been used in the art for many years. One of the older closures of this type is described in U.S. Patent No. 1,928,445, which discloses a rubber hinge connecting the lid to the body. The body is a threaded ring-shaped member attached to the threaded tube outlets. The lid is hinged to the body and can be operated from the closed position to seal the tube outlet to the fully open position. This closure has a rubber film hinge

-2attached to the body and lid that biases the lid in the open or closed position.

Another form of tethered lid for a tube is shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,933> 271. The lid has a base part attached to the tube and a cover part attached to the base part by a snap hinge. When the lid is opened less than to the middle position, it is biased to the closed position.

When deflected to a position beyond the center position, it is biased to the open position. This special action of the lid is caused by the hinge structure ·

Another type of film hinge for use in conjunction with the closure is shown in United States Patent No. 4,403,712. This closure has a lid formed to bias either the open position or the closed position. This lid has the additional feature that when the lid is in the closed position, the film hinge is within the lid profile. A different type of snap fastener is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,991. It is a two-piece snap fastener for attaching the lid to the body. The portion of the closure that seals the dispensing opening of the cartridge has a projection that fits into the dispensing opening. The use of a double hinge gives the latch hinge an additional versatility.

U.S. Patent 4,615,462 shows another example of a snap hinge. This hinge consists of a main coupling and two secondary couplings. The main clutch stabilizes the lid and body while the secondary clutches provide a latching action. It is not a film hinge and the hinge parts are not inside the lid closure profile when in the closed position. U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,473 discloses a similar closure wherein the hinge is also a three-part formation. The hinge also has three parts. In this closure, the hinge is within the lid profile when the lid is in the closed position.

The aforementioned patents disclose prior art latches with snap-in hinges for tubes. However, a closure suitable for use with a tube having a nozzle not only having a product dispensing outlet offset from the central axis of the tube is not described. Furthermore, there is not shown a latch hinge lid that is large enough to allow the tube to stand on it and where the surface of the dispensing portion of the lid is at an angle for easier discharge

This product is significant with respect to toothpastes when toothpaste is dispensed onto a toothbrush. This makes it easier to dispense on the toothbrush. Another advantage is that the lid can be used as a tethered lid or as a detachable lid, thus satisfying more users »

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved closure with a flexible hinge for a dispensing container adapted to receive a container nozzle such as an extrusion tube.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a flexible hinge closure for a dispenser having a conical discharge nozzle and means for attaching the closure to a nozzle comprising a base cap having a central axis substantially flat top wall with an opening defining a central channel coaxial with the central axis and the outer cylindrical wall extending from the peripheral edge of the top wall, the top wall being inclined relative to the central axis, and the outer lid attached to the base lid by a flexible hinge formed integrally with the base lid; a side wall and an annular collar extending from the top wall and coaxial with the central axis of the outer lid, the outer lid being hinged to the base lid such that the annular collar seals the nozzle when the outer lid is in the closed position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base lid further comprises an inner cylindrical wall extending from the top wall, and coaxial with the central axis and positioned between the bore and the outer cylindrical wall and threads on the inner surface of the inner cylindrical wall. up with ffreevity on stack.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner cylindrical wall has an annular rib extending radially inward to engage the annular groove in the cartridge.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top wall comprises a central flange defining an opening, which flange comprises an inwardly extending radial edge for engagement with an additional annular groove on the cartridge nozzle.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge nozzle projects upwardly through an opening in the top wall and terminates at a distance above the top wall, the outer lid having an inner surface having a sealing ring projecting therefrom which

-4captures and seals the upper end of the nozzle when the outer lid is in the closed position.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flexible hinge comprises first hinge means attached to an outer edge of the top wall and an outer edge of the outer lid to limit the pivoting movement of the outer lid relative to the base lid from open to closed; a second latch means connected to the outer lid, and wherein both the first and second latch means are located radially on each of the opposite sides of the flexible hinge.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second latching means each comprise an elongated portion having a first end attached to the outer edge of the top wall and a second end attached to the outer lid.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second ends of the first and second latching means are axially spaced from the first hinge relative to the central axis of the base lid.

The invention further provides a closure for a cartridge having a conical discharge nozzle and means for attaching the closure to the nozzle.

Characterized in that it comprises a base lid having, a central axis, an upper wall, means defining a central opening for detachably attaching to the container discharge nozzle and receiving the contents of the container, means defining a discharge nozzle protruding from the upper wall and disposed from the central axis of the base and a means connecting the inlet to the discharge nozzle and the outer lid connected to the base lid and comprising an upper wall and an annular collar extending therefrom to seal the discharge nozzle when the outer lid is in the closed position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base cap comprises a first cylindrical wall extending from the top wall and having an inner surface thereon and means thereon for attaching the base cap to the container nozzle.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the closure comprises a second cylindrical wall extending from the top wall and coaxial with the first cylindrical wall and located outside the first cylindrical wall.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection means comprises threads for engaging the threads on the cartridge nozzle.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coupling means comprises an annular rib for engagement with the annular groove in the cartridge nozzle.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means defining a central inlet opening comprises an annular collar extending from the top wall and concentric with the central axis of the base lid and an inward rib at the lower end of the collar to engage the annular groove on the nozzle of the tube.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening comprises a radially extending channel.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the discharge nozzle is adjacent to the outer edge of the top wall and opposed to the hinge.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top wall is disposed at an angle with respect to the central axis to allow discharge of the article from the tube.

The invention further provides a cartridge and removable closure assembly comprising a cartridge having a conical discharge nozzle having an attachment means on an outer surface and a first annular groove on the nozzle, the closure comprising a base lid and an outer lid connected by a flexible hinge to the base lid the base lid has a straight top wall from which a first cylindrical wall defining a central axis extends, the top wall comprising an opening concentric with the central axis and having an inwardly directed first annular rib, the cartridge nozzle is disposed in the opening and the rib engages the annular groove the nozzle protrudes above the top wall, the top wall being disposed at an angle to the central axis to facilitate discharge of the article from the container.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the annular groove on the cartridge nozzle is spaced from the axial end of the nozzle

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first cylindrical wall has an inner surface and threads thereon for disassembling the base cap to the nozzle.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle further comprises threads on the outer surface to engage the threads on the nozzle.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle connection means comprises a second annular groove and the first cylindrical wall comprises a second annular rib for engagement with the second annular groove.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assembly further comprises a second cylindrical wall extending from the top wall and concentric with the first cylindrical wall, the second cylindrical wall having a diameter equal to the diameter of the container.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention in

the nozzle has an upper edge forming an outlet from the reservoir and the outer lid comprises an annular seat extending from its inner surface which

In the saddle, the outlet complements the outlet and closes the outlet in the nozzle when the outer lid is in the closed position.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seat is a ring seated outside the nozzle outlet when the outer lid is in the closed position.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is a shrinkable cartridge.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container is a tube. .

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container has an inner protective layer to prevent absorption of components from the compound in the container.

The invention further provides a cartridge and removable closure assembly comprising a cartridge having a dispensing nozzle having an outer surface for attachment and an annular groove at the axial end of the nozzle and a closure comprising a base lid and an outer lid connected by a flexible hinge to the base. the lid, the base lid having a top wall, a first cylindrical wall extending from the top wall and defining a centerline and interior of the base lid, means defining an axial inlet opening in the top wall connected to the interior of the base lid, means defining an outlet having a range axially from the top wall and radially spaced from the inlet opening, and means defining a channel from the inlet opening to the outlet, the annular groove on the cartridge nozzle being detachably connected to the inlet opening, and the outer lid connected by a flexible hinge to the base lid and including and from the top wall

-7 projecting annular collar for sealing the outlet when the outer lid is in the closed position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first cylindrical wall has a threaded inner surface.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge nozzle comprises threads on the outer surface for attaching the base lid to the cartridge.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means defining the inlet opening comprises an inwardly extending annular collar extending from the top wall and concentric with the first cylindrical wall.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second cylindrical wall comprises an annular rib extending radially inwardly to engage the annular groove in the cartridge nozzle.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assembly comprises a third cylindrical wall extending from the top wall and located outside the first cylindrical wall and having a dimension complementary to the outer dimension of the container.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means for connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening comprises a radially extending channel.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spout comprises a discharge nozzle projecting upward from the top wall.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. the discharge nozzle is also near the outer edge of the top wall and against the hinge.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top wall is disposed at an angle with respect to the central axis to facilitate discharge of the article from the tube.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container is a shrinkable tube. made of plastic formed integrally with the nozzle, the inner surface of the tube. and the nozzles are provided with a protective layer to prevent absorption of components from the compound in the tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the drawings, wherein FIG. 1 shows the cap and tube of the invention in axial section, the tube having a discharge nozzle; FIG. 2 is an axial section of the cap of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a plan view of the cap of FIG. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the closure of the invention with a dispensing channel offset off-axis. Figure 5 is a plan view of the closure of Figure 4; Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the closure of Fig. 1 in the closed position; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure of the invention showing the cam arrangement; trysce.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disadvantages and limitations of the prior art closures are overcome by the invention, which creates an efficient and simple closure for the dispenser outlet of the cartridge. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure is used in conjunction with a dispensing container such as a shrinkable compression tube, a flexible compression bottle or other container which may optionally have a dispensing pump or valve arrangement. The cartridge preferably has a dispensing nozzle or nozzle with external threads for connection to the closure.

In particular, the invention is directed to a closure used with a pressurized container such as a tube 10 comprising a base lid 32 and an outer lid 34.

Referring to Figure 1, the tube 10 has a side wall 12 confining the tube body

10. The overall shape of the tube 10 corresponds to a conventional compression tube that contracts when dispensing. Tube 1.0 has a generally circular cross-section and is closed at its lower end by a straight seam 14. Typically tube 10 is made of a flexible plastic film, although other materials, such as metal foils, may also be used. When the tube 10 is made of plastic, the straight seam 14 is formed at the lower end by welding.

The cartridge and closure assembly of the invention is particularly suitable for use in dispensing dental preparations such as toothpastes and gels. The container will preferably comprise a protective layer on its inner surface to prevent the absorption of flavor components and oils from the dentifrice. The nozzle on the cartridge will typically include a protective layer, as it is typically made at the same time as the tube 10. The closure assembly arrangement explained in detail below has minimal contact with the dentifrice and generally does not include a protective layer.

The tube 10 has a conical wall 16 at its upper end. To the top of the conical wall 16, the adjacent cylindrical portion 18 of the dispensing nozzle is coaxial with the tube 10 extending upward from the conical wall 16.

A plurality of threads 20 are formed on the outer surface of the roller section 18 for engagement with the closure 32, as will be explained in further detail below. A tapered discharge nozzle 22 extends from the upper end of the cylindrical section 18 defining an outlet 24 from the tube 10. Between the nozzle 22 and the cylindrical section. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the nozzle 22 is frustoconical with slightly concave side walls, although in alternative embodiments of the invention, the nozzle 22 may be frusto-conical in shape with straight side walls. the conical wall 16 are formed integrally with the tube 10 in preferred embodiments of the invention. According to an alternative embodiment, the nozzle 22 and the cylindrical section 18 may be made as an assembly and attached to the tube 10 by welding or glue.

The nozzle 22 shown in FIG. 1 is coaxial with the central axis of the tube 10 and projects above the end of the tube 10 to a distance sufficient to facilitate dispensing of the contents of the tube 10. The nozzle 22 projects above the conical wall 16 of the tube 10 preferably by 0.75 to 2 cm. The nozzle outlet 24 generally represents a circular axial bore having a diameter of from about 3 mm to about 10 mm. The size of the outlet 24 is generally not critical if the contents of the tube 10 can be easily dispensed by compressing the tube 10. The nozzle 22 allows the contents of the tube 10 to be dispensed at a certain distance from the normal point of discharge of the tube 10.

The closure 30 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a base lid 32 and an outer lid 34 hinged to the base lid 32. The base lid 32 has a generally cylindrical shape as seen in Figures 2 and 3. The base lid 32 comprises an outer cylindrical wall 36 extending from The outer cylindrical wall 36 is preferably of the same size as the outer diameter of the tube 10, so that when the base lid 32 is fitted onto the graphite 10, the outer cylindrical wall 36 is substantially coincident with the side wall 12 of the tube 10.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the top wall 38 has a central opening 40 concentric to the central axis of the base lid 32. The opening 40 defines an annular rim 42 projecting radially inwardly toward the center of the base lid 32. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the annular rim 42 may be located slightly below the edge

The base lid 32 and may be intermittent to form a series of teeth. In preferred embodiments of the invention, it is annular. the edge 42 substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the base lid 32. The largest portions of the top grafts 38 form an inclined surface. 44. A notch 46 engages about the periphery of the sloping surface engaging the edge of the outer lid 24.

An inner cylindrical wall 48 extends from the lower surface of the top wall 38 and is coaxial with the central axis of the base lid 21. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the inner cylindrical wall 48 is equally spaced within the outer cylindrical wall 36. In the embodiment shown in FIG. the cylindrical wall 48 a length slightly less than the length of the outer cylindrical wall 36.

Internal threads 50 are formed on the inner surface of the inner cylindrical wall 48 to engage the threads 20 on the tube 10.

The base cap 32 is positioned on the tube 10 such that the nozzle 22 passes through the central hole 40 in the base cap 32 so that the internal threads 50 engage the threads 20 on the tube 10. The base cap 32 is screwed onto the tube 10 so that the nozzle 22 passes completely aperture 40 and the lower edges of the inner cylindrical wall 48 and the outer cylindrical wall 36 are in contact with the conical wall 16 of the tube 10. In the embodiment of Fig. 1a, when the base cap 32 is fully supported on the tube 10, The lid 32 fits tightly into the annular groove 26 in the nozzle 22. The annular rim 42 preferably forms a rigid connection with the nozzle 22. The latch connection between the annular rim 42 and the annular groove 26 also prevents unwanted unscrewing of the base lid 32 from the tube 10. removed with tubes 10 by manually unscrewing enough force so that threads 20 and 50 move the base lid off 32 from the tube 10 until the annular rim 42 protrudes from the annular groove 26.

The outer lid 34 is connected to the base lid 32 by a flexible hinge 52. The outer lid 34 has, according to Fig. 1, an outer cylindrical wall 34 complementing the outer dimension of the base lid 32 so that the walls 54 and 36 are co-located when the outer lid 34 is closed. The outer cylindrical wall 54 of the outer lid 34 terminates at a lower end 56 that is inclined relative to the central axis of the outer lid 34 to complement the notch 46 of the base lid 32. The upper wall 58 connected to the outer cylindrical wall 54 has an upper edge 60 that is substantially perpendicular. to the central axis of the outer lid 34. From the inner surface of the top wall

An annular collar 62 extends concentrically with the central axis of the outer cap 34. An internal annular flange 64 is disposed within the annular collar 62. The annular collar 62 is in contact with the outer surface of the nozzle 22 while the internal annular flange 64 is in contact. with the inner surface of the nozzle 22. The annular collar 62 and the inner annular flange 64 form a snap connection with the nozzle 22.

The closure 30 is assembled on the nozzle 22 substantially as shown in FIG. 1 by screwing the base cap 32 onto the threads 20 of the nozzle 22 so that the nozzle 22 passes through the central hole 40 and the annular rim 42 is received in the annular groove 26. such that it projects above the annular rim 42 by a length of 0.2 to 1.5 cm. Outer cover 2Λ ^e j pivotally hinged to the base cap 32 closes the tube and the tenth annular collar 62 on the outer lid 34 is dimensioned so that it is in contact with the outer surface of the nozzle 22 and forms a watertight joint. The inner side of the outer cylindrical wall 54 of the outer lid 34 includes teeth 66 at the front and teeth 67 at the front which form a snap connection with corresponding unevenness at the notch 46 of the base lid 32 and the protrusion 68 for holding the outer lid 34 in the closed position. In addition, the raised portion 73 of the wall 71 adjacent the hinge serves to introduce a portion of the rear wall of the outer lid 34 when closed out so that the tooth 67 fits better into the projection 68 of the base lid 32. The edge of the base lid 32 and the outer lid 34 have uneven areas 69 and 70. to help open outer lid 34 »

When it is desired to dispense a portion of the contents of the tube 10, the outer lid 34 is swung into the open position and the side walls of the tube 10 are pressed to push the contents of the tube 10 through the nozzle 22. The top wall 58 of the outer lid 34 is deflected by an angle of about 5 ° to 15 °, preferably about 10 ° from the axis of the base lid 32 to facilitate ease of dispensing from the tube 10. The upper wall of the outer lid 34 is slightly concave and has a dimension such that 10 can stand upright on the top wall 58. This allows the tube 10 to stand upright when out of use, thereby minimizing storage space. The closure can be used by swiveling the outer lid 34 to the open position, or alternatively by unscrewing the closure 30 from the tube 10 in a manner similar to conventional screw caps to meet the consumer's personal habit.

The outer lid 24 is connected to the base lid 32 by a flexible hinge 32. The base lid 32 has an arcuate section. Wall 71 adjacent the hinge 32, which extends upwardly from the outer cylindrical wall 36 above the top wall 28. As shown in FIG. 3, the arched wall section 71 has two steps 72 and 74 located on the sides of the higher section 76. The higher section 76 is Between steps 72 and 74 and the outer lid 34, two hinge members 80 and 82 are connected. Each hinge member 80.82 has an elongated portion 84 having side edges 86.88 which are positioned vertically with respect to to the base cap 32 when the outer cap 34 is in the closed position. The ends of the elongate portion 84 are connected to the step 72 and to the top lid 34 and form flexible hinges 90 and 92. Each hinge member 80, 82 has a similar structure.

The arrangement of the stabilizing hinge 78 and hinge members 80 and 82 has a smooth appearance when the outer lid 34 is in the closed position so that the hinges are substantially aligned with the outer cylindrical wall 36 and 34 as shown in Fig. 7. When the closure 30 is in operation, the outer lid 34 swings relative to the base lid 32 around the stabilizing flexible hinge 78 that defines the pivot axis of the outer lid 34. Since the hinge members 80 and 82 are spaced from the stabilizing flexible hinge 78 around the periphery of the base lid 32, exert an eccentric tilting effect. When the outer lid 34 is diverted from the base lid 32 away from the point where. the hinge members 80 and 82 are flush with the stabilizing hinge 78, the outer lid 34 swivels to the open position. Similarly, when the outer lid 34 is deflected towards the base lid 32 outside the same point, the outer lid 34 is folded into the closed position.

This closure 30 is not limited to a particular type of hinge. This may be of the three-strip type as shown in the drawing, or it may be a film curtain as shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,403,712.

4 and 5, the tube 100 draws a flexible and compressible side wall 102 connected to the conical wall 104 from which the cylindrical section 106 coaxial with the central axis of the tube 100 extends. On the outer surface of the cylindrical section 106 are threads 108 For connecting the tube 100 to the closure 110. A nozzle 112 extends coaxially with the central axis of the tube 100 from the cylindrical section 106. The upper end of the nozzle 112 includes an outwardly extending radial edge defining an annular groove 114.

The cap 110 comprises a base lid 11o and an outer lid 118 connected to each other by a flexible hinge 120. The base lid 116 comprises an outer cylindrical wall 122 extending from the top wall 124. The outer cylindrical wall 122 has a dimension complementary to the tube 100 so that the outer cylindrical wall 122 is substantially Along with the outer cylinder, the wall 122 inside it is an inner cylindrical wall 126. The inner cylindrical wall 126 has threads 128 complementary to the threads 108 of the cylindrical section 106 of the tube 100. Threads 108 and 128 serve to connect the base lid 116 to the tube 100.

The upper wall 124 defines a channel 130 disposed transversely to the axis of the base cap 116. The channel 130 defines in the top wall 124 an annular inlet 132 that is coaxial with the axis of the base cap 116, the outer cylindrical wall 122, and the inner cylindrical wall 126. 4, coaxially with the inner cylindrical wall 126, the annular collar 134 extends inwardly.

A rim 136 extends radially inwardly from the lowest end of the annular collar 134. The channel 130 terminates at a vertically extending nozzle 138 that projects above the top wall 124 of the base cap 116.

The edge 136, as shown in FIG. 4, defines an axial inlet duct 140, a substantially horizontal duct 142 and an axial discharge duct 144. The inlet duct 140 is disposed coaxially with the inner cylindrical wall 126 of the base cap 116. The discharge duct 144 and the nozzle 138 are The top wall 124 is preferably inclined with respect to the central axis of the base lid 116 to further assist in dose discharge of the contents of the tube 100. In the embodiment of FIG. the upper wall is inclined downwardly from the flexible hinge 120 to the opposite side of the base lid 116. The nozzle 138 and the discharge channel 144 are preferably positioned opposite the flexible hinge 120.

The outer cylindrical wall 122 comprises a knurled portion 146 disposed around the periphery of the base lid 116. Above the top wall 124, a wall section 148 protruding a flexible hinge 120 extends.

The outer lid 118 is similar to the outer lid 34 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 except that the annular collar 150 is located off the axis of the outer lid 118 for connection to the nozzle 138.

The outer lid 118 and the flexible hinge 120, which are structurally and functionally similar. The design of FIG. marks increased by 100 .: ........

In use, the base cap 116 is connected to the cylindrical section 106 of the tube 100. The base cap 116 is screwed onto the threads 128, thereby pushing the base cap 116 into the seated position shown in Figure 4. Screwing the base cap 116 onto the threads 128 causes the edge 136 of the annular collar 134 to engage the annular groove 114 of the nozzle 138 and form a watertight connection.

As shown in FIG. 4, the upper end of the nozzle 112 substantially aligns with the lower surface of the horizontal channel 142. In this embodiment, the end of the nozzle 112 is below the upper surface of the base cap 116. When the base cap 116 is seated on the nozzle 112, The outer lid 118 connected to the base lid 116 by the flexible hinge 120 is closed by deflecting the outer lid 118 to engage the base lid 116. In the closed position, the edge of the outer lid 118 an abutment surface of the base cap 116. The annular collar 150 abuts the discharge nozzle 138 and seals its opening.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from that of FIGS. 1 to 4 in that the flexible hinge 252 between the base lid 232 and the outer lid 234 is not raised above the base lid 232, but rather constitutes a continuation of the top wall 224 of the base lid 232. If the flexible hinge 252 used is formed with three strips as in Figs. 1-4, the side strips may be attached to the base lid 232 at a small distance below the top wall 224 of the base lid 232. This is the general design of such a flexible hinge 252 when this forms a projection. upper walls. This embodiment has certain design advantages over the increased embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. In this embodiment, the flexible hinge 252 is substantially an extension of the top wall 238. A cylindrical wall 236 extends from the top wall 238. The outer lid 234 has a cylindrical wall 254 and an upper wall 258. On it are annular collars 262 and 264. The teeth 266 and 267 act to hold the outer lid 234 in the closed position when the teeth 267 are engaged by the projection 268. Construction of the flexible hinge

-15 is essentially the same as. 1 to 5,

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 8 and includes a cam arrangement for attaching the lid to the cartridge. The tube 160 and closure 172 are similar to the embodiment of Figure 1 except for the threads on the base cap and the nozzle.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the tube 160 has a conical wall 162 and a cylindrical section 164. The upper end of the cylindrical section 164 comprises an annular groove 168 and a conical discharge nozzle 170. The closure 172 comprises a base lid 174 and an outer lid 176 connected to a flexible hinge 178. Base lid 174 includes an upper wall 180, an inner cylindrical wall 182, and an outer cylindrical wall 186 that are similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

In the upper wall 180 there is an axial bore 188. Annular rib 190 extends about the axial bore 188 »

The inner cylindrical wall 182 has an inner surface on which the cam elements 192 are inclined relative to the center axis of the base lid. As seen in FIG. 8, the cam elements 192 have inclined surfaces. The cylindrical section 164 of the tube 160 has additional cam members 194 »The cam members 192 and 194 are extruded integrally with the tube 160 or the base lid 174. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the cam members 192 and 194 act as conventional threads for screwing the base lid 174 onto the tube 160 such that the nozzle protrudes through the central opening 188 and the annular rib 190 is engaged in the annular groove 168 of the nozzle. The cam members 192 and 194 are sufficiently flexible so that when the nozzle is seated in the central opening 188, further rotation of the base cap 174 relative to the nozzle causes the cam members 192 and 194 to rotate relative to each other. by subsequently lifting the closure and releasing the annular rib 190 from the annular groove 168. When the annular rib 190 is once slid out of the annular groove 168, the closure can be easily unscrewed from the nozzle. The cam members 192 and 194 in this embodiment of the invention allow the closure to be rotated clockwise to any nozzle position without the risk of over-tightening or unscrewing the base lid 174 from the tube 160.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 9 and comprises a base cap 186 'attached to the tube 16θ' and an outer cap 176. * The base cap 186 *, the outer cap 176 and the nozzle 170 'have

- substantially the same structure as in the embodiment of. 8 except that there is another arrangement for attaching the base cap to the tube. Identical parts have the reference numerals enlarged by 100.

In this embodiment, the cargo cap 186 ** is permanently attached to the tube 160 * by a snap connection, thus, easy separation of the base cap 186 * during normal use of the tube 160 is avoided.

As shown in FIG. 9, the inner cylindrical wall 182 of the base cap 186 'includes an annular rib 200 extending radially inwardly to the center axis of the base cap 186'. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the annular rib 200 is continuous. In alternative embodiments, the annular rib 200 may be intermittent and form a series of teeth around the inner surface of the inner cylindrical wall 182.

The tube 160 * comprises a conical wall 162 and a cylindrical section 164 *. The upper end of the cylindrical section 164 comprises an annular groove 168 'and a discharge nozzle 170'. An annular rib 202 is formed approximately in the middle of the height of the cylindrical section 164 *. The annular rib 202 has an inclined upper wall and is sized to form a snap connection to the annular rib 200 of the base cap 186 *.

The base cap 186 * is connected to the tube 160 * by passing the nozzle 170 * through the opening 188 * in the base cap 186. The base cap 186 is compressed down the nozzle 170 * until the annular rib 200 moves over the annular rib 202 and the annular rib 190 defining an axial bore in the base cap 186 * fits into the annular groove 168 *. In alternative embodiments, the annular fin 190 * and the annular groove 168 may be omitted when the ribs 200 and 202. are formed. In all cases, the upper edge of the base cap 186 * will preferably form a nozzle seal 170 * to prevent accumulation of dirt or discharge material between the base cover 186 * and nozzle 170 *. The base lid 186 * may be separated from the tube 160 * by pulling away from the tube 160 * with sufficient force to pull the ribs 190 * and 200 out of engagement with the annular groove 168 or the rib 202.

In preferred embodiments, the closure of the invention is made of extruded plastic in one piece. Suitable plastics materials are, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and copolymers thereof. The lids are typically manufactured by injection molding.

The tube is similarly formed from a suitable plastic such as.

-17polyolefins. In preferred embodiments, the nozzle, the cylindrical section, and the tube body are ejected integrally. Tube and cap are especially! Suitable for more viscous materials such as toothpaste where small amounts are dispensed. The cap provides a convenient and effective means for attaching the cap to the tube so that the tube can be closed after each use.

The closure can also be removed from the tube after the tube contents have been consumed. The closure may be detached from the tube nozzle by rotating the base cap relative to the tube such that the threads unscrew the base cap from the tube and release the edge of the base cap from the groove in the nozzle.

Thus, the closure can be reused on another tube.

Above. said description describes preferred embodiments of the invention.

It is understood that numerous modifications and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention claimed in the following claims.

Claims (34)

«WDr.MnoiVŠETEČKA Attorney 1ÍS04 PRAGUE 1, Žitná 25 -18PA T E HI 0 CLAIMS 1. A container closure having a conical dispensing nozzle and means for attaching the closure to a nozzle, characterized in that it comprises a base lid having a central axis, a substantially straight top wall with an opening defining a central channel coaxial with the central axis, and a peripheral edge of the top wall, the top wall being inclined relative to the central axis, and an outer lid attached to the base lid by a flexible hinge formed integrally with the base lid, the outer lid having an upper wall, a cylindrical side wall and an annular collar extending from the upper wall and coaxial with the central axis of the outer lid, the outer lid being hinged to the base lid such that the annular collar seals the nozzle when the outer lid is in the closed position. The closure of claim 1, wherein the base lid further comprises an inner cylindrical wall extending from the top wall and coaxial with the central axis and positioned between the bore and the outer cylindrical wall and on the inner surface of the inner cylindrical wall threads to engage threads on the cartridge. . The closure of claim 2, wherein the inner cylindrical wall has an annular rib extending radially inwardly for engagement with the annular groove in the container. 4. The closure of claim 1 wherein said top wall comprises a central flange defining an aperture, said flange comprising an inwardly extending radial edge for engagement with an additional annular groove on the cartridge nozzle. The closure of claim 1, wherein the cartridge nozzle protrudes upward through an opening in the top wall and terminates at a distance above the top wall, the outer lid having an inner surface having a sealing ring protruding therefrom that engages and seals the top end of the nozzle when the outer lid is in the closed position. 6. The closure of claim 1, wherein the flexible hinge comprises first hinge means coupled to an outer edge of the top wall and an outer edge of the outer lid to limit the pivoting movement of the outer lid relative to the base lid from the open position to the closed position; at the outer edge of the top wall there are first and second latching means connected to the outer lid, and wherein the first and second latching means are located radially on each of the opposite sides of the flexible hinge. -19 ?. The closure of claim 6, wherein the first and second latching means each comprise an elongate portion having a first end attached to the outer edge of the top wall and a second end attached to the outer lid. 8. The closure of claim 7 wherein said first and second ends of said first and second latching means are axially spaced from said first hinge relative to a central axis of said base cap. A closure for a cartridge having a conical discharge nozzle and means for attaching the closure to a nozzle, comprising a base lid having a central axis, an upper wall, means defining a central opening for detachably connecting to the cartridge discharge nozzle and receiving the contents of the cartridge. a blanket defining a discharge nozzle protruding from the top wall and located off the central axis of the base lid, and means connecting the inlet to the discharge nozzle and an outer lid hinged to the base lid and including an upper wall and an annular collar extending therefrom to seal the discharge nozzle when closed position. 10. The closure of claim 9, wherein the base cap comprises a first cylindrical wall extending from the top wall and having an inner surface thereon and means thereon for attaching the base cap to the container nozzle. 11. The closure of claim 10 including a second cylindrical wall extending from said top wall and coaxial with said first cylindrical wall and located outside said first cylindrical wall. 12. The closure of claim 10, wherein the attachment means comprises threads for engaging the threads on the cartridge nozzle. 13. The closure of claim 12, wherein the attachment means comprises an annular rib for engaging the annular groove in the cartridge nozzle. 14. The closure of claim 9, wherein the means defining a central inlet comprises an annular collar extending from the top wall and concentric with the central axis of the base lid and an inwardly facing rib at the lower end of the collar to engage the annular groove on the nozzle tube. lids to the magazine. 15. The closure of claim 9, wherein the means connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening comprises a radially extending channel. -2016. The closure of claim 9, wherein the discharge nozzle is adjacent to the outer edge of the top wall and opposed to the hinge. 17. The closure of claim 9 wherein the top wall is at an angle to the central axis to facilitate discharge of the article from the tube. 18. A cartridge and a removable closure assembly comprising a cartridge having a conical discharge nozzle having an attachment surface on the outer surface and a first annular groove on the nozzle, the closure comprising a base lid and an outer lid connected by a flexible hinge to the base lid; the lid has a straight top wall from which protrudes a first cylindrical wall defining a central axis, the top wall comprising an aperture concentric to the median axis and having an inwardly directed first annular rib, the cartridge nozzle being disposed in the aperture and the rib engaged with the annular groove above the top wall, the top wall being positioned at an angle with respect to the central axis to facilitate discharge of the article from the container. 19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the annular groove on the cartridge nozzle is spaced from the axial end of the nozzle. 20. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the first cylindrical wall has an inner surface and threads thereon for detachably attaching the base cap to the nozzle. 21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the nozzle further comprises threads on an outer surface to engage threads on the nozzle. 22. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the nozzle connection means comprises a second annular groove and the first cylindrical wall includes a second annular rib for engagement with the second annular groove. The assembly of claim 18, further comprising a second cylindrical wall extending from the top wall and concentric with the first cylindrical wall, the second cylindrical wall having a diameter equal to the diameter of the container. 24. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the nozzle has a nozzle the upper edge forming the outlet from the container and the outer lid comprises an annular seat extending from its inner surface, which seat complements the outlet and closes the outlet in the nozzle when it is external. lid in closed position. -2125. Assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the seat is a ring seated outside the nozzle outlet when the outer lid is in the closed position. 26. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the cartridge is a shrinkable cartridge. Assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the container is a tube. 28. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the container has an inner protective layer to prevent absorption of components from the compound in the container. 29. A cartridge and a removable closure assembly comprising a cartridge having a dispensing nozzle having an annular groove on the axial end of the nozzle on an outer surface, and a closure comprising a base lid and an outer lid connected by a flexible hinge to the base lid; a wall, a first cylindrical wall extending from the top wall and defining a central axis and interior of the base lid, means defining an axial inlet opening in the top wall connected to the interior of the base lid; defining a channel from the inlet opening to the outlet, the annular groove on the cartridge nozzle being detachably connected to the inlet opening, and an outer lid connected by a flexible hinge to the base lid and comprising an upper wall and inwards an annular collar extending therefrom for sealing the drain when the outer lid is in the closed position. 30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the first cylindrical wall has an internally threaded surface. 31. The pcdle assembly of claim 30, wherein the cartridge nozzle includes threads on the outer surface for attaching the base lid to the cartridge. 32. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the means defining the inlet opening comprises an inwardly extending annular collar extending from the top wall and concentric with the first cylindrical wall. 33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein the second cylindrical wall includes an annular rib extending radially inward to engage the annular groove in the cartridge nozzle. 34. The assembly of claim 29, comprising: a third - a cylindrical wall extending from the top wall and located outside the first cylindrical wall and having a dimension complementing the outer dimension of the container. Assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that the means for connecting the discharge opening to the discharge opening comprises a radially extending channel. 36. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the outlet includes a discharge nozzle extending upwardly from the top wall. 37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein the discharge nozzle is proximate the outer edge of the top wall and opposite the hinge. 38. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the top wall is disposed at an angle to the central axis to facilitate dispensing of the article from the tube. 38. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the container is a shrinkable plastic tube formed integrally with the nozzle, wherein the inner surface of the tube and the nozzle is provided with a protective layer to prevent absorption of z-compound components in the tube.