EP2708473B1 - Bouchon pour un récipient - Google Patents

Bouchon pour un récipient Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2708473B1
EP2708473B1 EP13190198.5A EP13190198A EP2708473B1 EP 2708473 B1 EP2708473 B1 EP 2708473B1 EP 13190198 A EP13190198 A EP 13190198A EP 2708473 B1 EP2708473 B1 EP 2708473B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cap
lid
cap body
panel
onto
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.)
Active
Application number
EP13190198.5A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2708473A1 (fr
Inventor
Filip Dominique Hubert Vangeel
Katrien De Malsche
Rainer Scharrenberg
Gene Michael Altonen
Guy Hubert Stephane Sylvain Culeron
Neil Anthony Litten
Georgina Lindsey Clare Milich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Publication of EP2708473A1 publication Critical patent/EP2708473A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2708473B1 publication Critical patent/EP2708473B1/fr
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
    • B65D47/0809—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage and elastically biased towards both the open and the closed positions
    • B65D47/0814—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage and elastically biased towards both the open and the closed positions by at least three hinge sections, at least one having a length different from the others
    • 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
    • B65D2251/02—Grip means
    • B65D2251/026—Grip means made of material having a high friction coefficient and preventing slippage during removal by hand, e.g. band, coating
    • 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
    • B65D2251/10—Details of hinged closures
    • B65D2251/1016—Means for locking the closure in closed position
    • B65D2251/105—The closure having a part fitting over the rim of the container or spout and retained by snapping over integral beads or projections

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a novel cap particularly resistant to impact forces to provide a leak-tight fitting to a container whilst allowing simple and quick release.
  • a preferred field of use is that of caps for large containers for domestic or household use, containing detergents or other cleaning preparations, fabric conditioners and the like.
  • said cap may equally be suitable in other fields of use such as containers for manual and automatic dishwashing liquids, hair-care products and oral care applications such as mouth washes.
  • container caps suitable for use with containers holding fluid base substances such as, shower gels, hair shampoos, suncreams, sun lotions, body oils and the like.
  • the purpose of these caps is, on the one hand, to form a leakproof seal so that the substance contained within does not escape and so that outside air does not constantly pervade the container.
  • such cap should be easy to open and close.
  • Caps of this kind usually have an essentially tubular-shaped cap body with a female thread provided in its inner wall for screwing onto, for example, an accordingly configured (male) thread at the upper end of a container neck.
  • a sealing arrangement By means of a sealing arrangement, a leakproof connection is created between the cap and the container.
  • US6409034B relates to a hinged cap body designed for fitting with a leakproof seal on a container opening, a hinged lid joined to the cap body for closing an outlet aperture formed on the cap body, and a locking arrangement formed on the cap body and the hinged lid. Sealing is achieved via a protrusion extending from said hinged lid which at least partly lodges in the outlet aperture when the lid is closed.
  • Ease of opening and closing is achieved via a combination of; an elastically deformable material, which creates a biasing force between the cap body and the hinged lid in order to bring the hinged lid into an open position; and a locking projection which, in closed position, clutches rearwards to a biased, manually operable locking element which is disposed on the cap body.
  • the locking arrangement is especially simple to use in that only a light pressure must be manually applied to disengage the locking element from the locking projection and allow the elastically deformable material to flip the hinged lid open.
  • Such device introduces a number of disadvantages.
  • One disadvantage is that the hinged lid may easily flip open if the container is accidentally knocked over by the user and cause spillage of the content.
  • Another disadvantage is that the only sealing means for preventing the content to exit the outlet aperture is the protrusion on the hinged lid which may leak when subjected to high pressures caused by, for example, high impact forces during transportation.
  • Further disadvantages may be: alignment problems between the protrusion and the outlet aperture in case of distortion of the hinges and/or its suitability only for small outlets.
  • Caps provide various locking mechanisms, particularly for child-proof containers of medications.
  • Caps of this kind use mechanisms such as the "push-and-turn" system or other mechanisms such as those described in WO2006/102601A1 and US7404495B2 , which require the combination of a radial force and an upward force applied onto a portion of said locking mechanism to open said cap.
  • these mechanisms may be useful in preventing a child from opening the caps, they render singlehanded operation difficult, which may be important for certain users, such as for elderly.
  • EP2218654A1 relates to a cap comprising a base portion with an outer periphery adapted to extend over at least a portion of a container, a skirt depending downwardly from the base portion and a lip seal member depending downwardly from the base portion.
  • the container has an opening bounded by a lip extending upwards from the container.
  • the lip seal member is adapted to abut an interior side of the lip, when the cap is in closed position.
  • Such devices although suitable for preventing moisture entering or exiting the container, do not provide a strong enough locking force to prevent the lid from opening upon impact. Furthermore, such devices rely solely on a single sealing surface thus more likely to leak during, for example; handling of the container by the user wherein the container is subjected to a given, albeit small, holding pressure; or accidental knock-over.
  • DE10160362 relates to a closure cap to hermetically seal a bottle before sterilization according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • WO 2009/071298 relates to a cap having an elastomeric gripping element.
  • the present invention relates to a cap comprising: a cap body capable of being connected to a container, said cap body comprising an outlet opening therein.
  • a lid for coupling with said cap body.
  • a disposable sealing means sealing said outlet opening, and further a locking means disposed on said cap body and said lid to lock said lid onto said cap body, characterised in that said locking means comprises a panel connected to said lid on at least a portion of the perimeter thereof, at least one protrusion extending from a portion of said panel towards the inside of said lid for coupling with a slot provided in a portion of the perimeter of said cap body, and an elastically deformable material part, selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer, TPE), silicone and mixtures thereof, connecting said panel to said lid.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • lock or locking means that the cap is tightly secured in its closed position.
  • tightly secured as used hereinbefore it is meant that said cap withstands a force of at least 30N, preferably at least 50N, and more preferably at least 70N.
  • large container means containers for holding at least 1.5 liters, preferably at least 2 liters of a liquid, more preferably from 2 liters to 5 liters, most preferably from 2 liters to 3 liters.
  • pressure in the radial direction or “radial pressure” as used herein means a pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY).
  • the invention is directed to a cap (1) particularly suitable for large containers, and particularly holding a liquid.
  • the containers may be of any shape and size and made of any material; resilient, flexible, rigid or otherwise. Suitable materials include but are not limited to plastic and glass.
  • the cap (1) comprises a cap body (2) capable of being connected to a container and a lid (3) for coupling with said cap body (2).
  • Said cap (1) further comprises a disposable sealing means (4) sealing an outlet opening (5) located on said cap body (2), and a locking means disposed on said cap body (2) and said lid (3) to lock said lid (3) onto said cap body (2).
  • At least a portion of the cap (1) may be formed of a plastic material, by injection molding or other suitable molding techniques.
  • the cap (1) may be molded of polypropylene.
  • the cap (1) will have a Tensile modulus of at least 1500 MPa, preferably between 1600 and 1700 MPa.
  • the said at least one portion of the cap (1) can be formed as a single unit.
  • said at least one portion of the cap (1) may be molded independently and then subsequently assembled.
  • the cap (1) of the present invention may comprise a cap body (2) having a longitudinal axis (YY) extending parallel to the centerline thereof.
  • Said cap body (2) may comprise an outlet opening (5) therein, preferably said cap body (2) comprises a spout (6) with said outlet opening (5) being located therein.
  • said cap body (2) may comprise an outer wall (7) defining the shape of said cap body (2).
  • the average thickness of said outer wall (7) is typically between 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm.
  • Said outer wall (7) may be defined by an outer surface (8) and an inner surface (9).
  • Said cap body (2) may further comprise a first surface of contact (10) located on said outer surface (8) and may subtend from a portion substantially proximal to the apex of said outer surface (8) of said outer wall (7).
  • Said first surface of contact (10) is preferably non-linear such that when at least a portion of the locking means, preferably a portion of a panel thereof, abuts said first surface of contact (10), a sliding motion is encouraged.
  • said first surface of contact is curved with the greatest gradient being located proximal to the apex of said outer wall (7). If the cap comprises a hingedly connected lid, said first surface of contact is preferably located opposite the hinge (11).
  • said spout (6) may extend from a first portion, defining a top (12), vertically displaced from said outer wall (7), to a second portion, defining a base (13).
  • Said base (13) may comprise said opening therein (5).
  • said base (13) may be capable of entering in at least a portion of the container to which said cap (1) is connected to.
  • Said spout (6) may be constructed to have a substantially flat top (12).
  • said top (12) may be slanted at an angle and present a curvature on its uppermost surface.
  • the distance between the uppermost portion of the top (12) of the spout (6) and the apex of said outer wall (7) may be at least 6 mm preferably at least 7mm, more preferably between 7 and 10 mm. It is understood that said distance between the uppermost portion of the top (12) of the spout and the apex of said outer wall (7), and thus the total height of the spout (6), may also be determined by the height of said lid (3).
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous for allowing pouring of a liquid content to be achieved in a predetermined direction without dripping onto the outer wall (7) and/or container.
  • the cap body (2) may further comprise a female thread (14) extending from said inner surface (9) for coupling with a container neck threaded accordingly, to secure said cap body (2) onto said container.
  • said cap body (2) may comprise a bridge-type portion (15) formed by a portion of the outer wall (7), preferably said portion of the outer wall (7) is the uppermost portion thereof.
  • Said bridge-type portion (15) comprises a flat notch (16) capable of contacting the uppermost surface of a container neck when said cap body (2) is fully screwed onto said container neck.
  • said flat notch (16) is oriented so that the flat surface (17) thereof makes contact with said uppermost surface of the container when said cap body (2) is fully screwed on.
  • the distance "a" between the apex of said bridge-type portion (15) and said flat surface (17) is between 2mm and 3mm, preferably between 2.2mm and 2.5mm. This specific notch configuration and range of thickness has been found to be particularly beneficial to reduce the stress concentrations generated upon tightening of the cap body (2) onto the container neck and to contribute in stiffening the bridge-type portion region against deflection at high torque.
  • said cap body (2) may comprise a plug seal (18) proximal said flat notch (16) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (YY) of said cap body (2).
  • the plug seal (18) may be capable of contacting at least a portion of the inner surface of a container neck, when said cap body (2) is coupled to said container.
  • said flat notch (16) and plug seal (18) may provide a sealing means when the cap body (2) is screwed tightly onto a container neck by blocking any passages which may be formed in the connecting portion between said cap body (2) and said container neck and preventing any content from escaping through said passages.
  • said bridge-type portion (15) may be generally curvilinear, preferably said bridge-type portion (15) may present a curvature having a radius of between 4.5mm and 5.5mm, preferably 5.0mm. This configuration has been found to reduce the stress concentrations to which the bridge-type portion portion is subjected to when said cap body (2) is tightly screwed onto a container neck.
  • Such stiffening, resistance to deflection and shape may become particularly important when tightening or over-tightening of the cap body (2) occurs. Strong tightening of the cap body (2) onto a container neck may be required in order to maximize the sealing capabilities of said cap body (2) and to prevent accidental unscrewing from said container neck. It may also be desirable to tighten the cap body (2) to such an extent to prevent the user to easily unscrew it, particularly when the cap comprises a separate lid that the user should open instead. In these scenarios it is desirable to screw said cap body (2) with a torque of up to 600Ncm, preferably from 240Ncm to 600Ncm. A problem which is likely to arise at such high torque values is deflection of the regions subjected to the greatest force.
  • the cap body (2) of the present invention is capable of being connected to a container neck with a torque of up to 400Ncm, preferably up to 500Ncm, more preferably up to 600Ncm, most preferably from 240Ncm to 600Ncm, without experiencing a deformation of more than 0.3mm.
  • the aforementioned embodiments have been found particularly effective in withstanding a torque of up to 400Ncm, preferably 100Ncm to 400Ncm, more preferably 100Ncm to 500Ncm, most preferably 240Ncm to 600Ncm, and wherein the deflection is less than 0.3mm.
  • At least a portion of the bridge-type portion (15) may be coated with a material capable of elastically deforming upon the application of a force.
  • a material capable of elastically deforming upon the application of a force Preferably said material is selected from polyolefines.
  • an O-ring may be introduced.
  • the coating may be of a different material than that of the cap body (2), preferably said coating is of a material that experiences a greater elastic deformation compared to the material of said cap body (2).
  • the portion of the bridge-type portion (15) being coated provides for a stiff structure while the material in the coating purposively deforms to provide a leak-tight seal even at lower torques.
  • the cap body (2) may further comprise a flange (19) extending substantially parallel and proximal to the spout (6).
  • Said flange (19) maybe located substantially parallel and in between a portion of the inner surface (9) of the outer wall (7) and a surface of said spout (6).
  • a gap is formed between said flange and said portion of the inner surface (9) to accommodate the insertion of a ridge (20) extending from a surface of the lid (3) when said lid (3) is closed.
  • the spout may be of any shape such that the liquid content inside a container can be easily poured.
  • said spout (6) has a horse-shoe-type perimeter at the top to ease pouring in a predetermined direction. If the cap (1) has a lid (3) hingedly connected to said cap body (2), said predetermined direction is oriented such that it points way and opposite the hinge (11).
  • said spout (6) comprises a product flow cut off lip (21) located proximal to the uppermost portion of the top (12) of said spout (6). Said product flow cut off lip (21) has the advantage of reducing dripping onto portions of the cap body() which may in turn affect the smooth opening and closing of the cap (1).
  • the cap (1) of the present invention comprises a lid (3).
  • Said lid may comprise a first lid surface (22) defining the outside shape and perimeter of said lid (3).
  • said lid (3) may comprise a ridge (20) extending within and substantially parallel to said first lid surface (22) which is capable of inserting in between a flange (19) and a portion of the inner surface (9) of the outer wall (7) of the cap body (2) when said lid (3) is closed.
  • This configuration is particularly advantageous in providing an additional sealing means when said lid (3) is locked onto said cap body (2).
  • said lid (3) may be hingedly connected to the cap body (2) with one or more hinges (11).
  • This configuration aids single-handed opening of the cap (1) since, once unlocked, the lid (3) simply pivots to the open position with pressure applied by the user.
  • the hinge may comprise a spring element that forces the lid (3) to open upon unlocking.
  • Suitable spring elements may include any elastic object that stores mechanical energy, such as springs, including but not limited to cantilever springs, coil springs, helical springs, torsion springs, and/or elastically deformable materials such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).
  • the one or more hinges (11) are one part with said lid (3) and said cap body (2) and are made of the same material. It is however understood that other types of hinges may equally be suitable such as flush type hinges, butterfly hinges, butt hinges and the like which are welded or similarly joined to said lid (3) and said cap body (2).
  • the lid (3) may comprise a top surface (23) defining the uppermost outer surface of said lid (3).
  • Said top surface (23) may comprise an inner top face facing the inside of the container when said lid (3) is closed onto the cap body (2).
  • said top surface (23) comprises an interconnected groove (24).
  • interconnected it is herein meant that the groove (24) forms a closed shape, thus the groove (24) does not have a beginning nor an end.
  • said shape is circular. It is however, understood that other shapes may equally be suitable such as oval, square, rectangular, triangular and so on.
  • such groove (24) allows for attachment of a doser onto the top of said lid (3).
  • the lid (3) may be made of the same material as the cap body.
  • said material is selected from polyolefines and more specifically polypropylene.
  • the cap (1) of the present invention further comprises a disposable sealing means (4) sealing the outlet opening (5) on the cap body (2).
  • said disposable sealing means (4) may be welded on at least a portion of the base (13) of the spout (6) to form a resistant sealing means against high pressure build-up particularly due to large impact forces.
  • the material of said disposable sealing means (4) is selected from polyethylene therephthalate (PET), polyurethane, aluminum foil, polypropylene and mixtures thereof.
  • Suitable films of this type typically comprise PET 12 ⁇ m/Adhesive 5 ⁇ m /ink (optional)/soft aluminium foil 38 ⁇ m /coextruded welding layer 116 ⁇ m.
  • the disposable sealing means (4) may comprise a pull tab (30) for easy removal of said disposable sealing means (4).
  • a pull tab (30) is particularly advantageous when the cap body (2) comprises a spout (6), in order improve peeling.
  • said pull tab (30) is dimensioned to provide easy reach for the user whilst not compromising the opening and closing of the cap (1).
  • said pull tab (30) is capable of folding into the gap formed between the flange (19) on the cap body (2) and the portion of the inner surface (9) of the outer wall (7) of said cap body (2), its insertion aided by the ridge (20) on the lid (3) of said cap (1) upon closing. When folded in, a portion of said pull tab is easily accessible for the user to grip in order to begin the peeling action.
  • said pull tab (30) maybe located on a side of the cap body (2), preferably proximal to the hinged connection with the lid (3). This configuration allows for ease of pealing, particularly when the top (12) of the spout (6) is slanted at an angle.
  • the disposable sealing means (4) may have a peel force of between 7N and 15N, preferably between 7N and 11N, and more preferably between 9N and 11N.
  • peel force refers to the force required to peel the disposable sealing means (4). If the force is below the abovementioned ranges the user will have not the intended quality impression while forces greater than the abovementioned ranges would be undesirable due to the greater fatigue placed on users and the greater likelihood of tearing and incomplete peeling.
  • the disposable sealing means (4) may have a bursting pressure of at least 2.5bar, preferably between 2.5 bar and 4bar.
  • bursting pressure refers to the pressure needed to cause failure (or bursting) of the disposable sealing means (4). It has been found that a disposable sealing means (4) having a bursting pressure within the abovementioned ranges provides for a leak-proof sealing also at high impact forces.
  • the cap (1) of the present invention comprises a locking means disposed on the cap body (2) and the lid (3) to lock said lid (3) onto said cap body (2).
  • the locking means may comprise a panel (25) connected to a lid (3) of the cap (1) at the perimeter thereof, preferably connected to a portion of the first lid surface (22), at least one protrusion (26) extending from a portion of said panel (25) towards the inside of said lid (3) for coupling with a slot (27) provided in a portion of the cap body (2) of said cap (1), and an elastically deformable material part (28) connecting said panel (25) to said lid (3).
  • Said elastically deformable material (28) is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicone and mixtures thereof.
  • the panel (25) may comprise a bottom, two sides, and a top, when viewed from the front of the cap (1) in its closed position.
  • said bottom is not straight and experiences a curve while the top and the two sides are straight such that the perimeter of said panel (25) forms an arch-type shape. It is however understood that other shapes may equally be suitable such as square, circular, rectangular and so on.
  • At least one portion of the panel (25) may abut at least a portion of a first surface of contact (10) of the cap body (2) when pressure is applied to said panel (25).
  • the first surface of contact (10) may be curved to aid sliding between at least a portion of the panel (25) and said first surface of contact (10).
  • said at least one portion of said panel (25) comprises at least one projection (29) extending along at least a part of the height of said panel (25).
  • said projection (29) extends for at least 50% of said height.
  • the height of the panel (25) is defined herein as the vertical distance from the bottom of the panel (25) to the top of the panel (25) taken along a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (YY), preferably said height extends substantially parallel to the two side edges of said panel (25).
  • the projection (29) may further comprise a gradient to improve the sliding ability over said first surface of contact (10), thus easing the opening of the lid (3). Such projections (29) may provide stiffening of the panel (25) concurrently with improving the sliding ability of the panel (25) over said first surface of contact (10).
  • At least a portion of the protrusion (26) may extend at an angle c, wherein said angle is between 1 and 2 degrees.
  • at least a potion of the slot (27) is slanted at an angle b so that coupling with said protrusion (26) is achieved when the lid (3) is pressed onto the cap body (2), wherein said angle is between 0 and 2 degrees.
  • the protrusion (26) may extend from 0.80mm to 0.85mm towards the inside of the lid (3) and the slot (27) is from 0.86mm to 0.9mm deep.
  • inside of the lid it is meant herein that the protrusion (26) extends from an inner face of the first lid surface (22) for a predetermined length in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY) to approach the ridge (20) formed on said lid (3).
  • deep or depth refers to the dimension taken from a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY) from the open end to the closed end of the slot (27).
  • the length of the protrusion (26) may be shorter than the length of the slot (27).
  • length as used herein means the distance between one end to the other end of either said protrusion (26) or said slot (27) taken along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY).
  • the panel (25) may rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY) when pressure is applied thereto so that disengagement of the protrusion (26) from the slot (27) and abutting of the at least one portion of the panel (25) onto the first surface of contact (10) of the cap body (2) occurs substantially simultaneously.
  • YY longitudinal axis
  • the panel (25) rotates and the protrusion (26) exits the slot (27), concurrently a portion of the panel (25) abuts a portion of the first surface of contact (10) to cause sliding between the faces thereof.
  • the upward pressure needed is considerably lower than the initial pressure in the radial direction required for unlocking of the lid (3) from the cap body (2) making the entire opening process of the cap (1) easier for the user.
  • the locking means herein in turn allows to construct a protrusion (26) and slot (27) capable of generating a greater interlocking force without compromising ease of opening.
  • the locking means may be capable of withstanding a push through force of between 30N and 70N, preferably between 50N and 70N, when said locking means is engaged.
  • push through force as used hereinbefore, it is meant the force required to open the cap (1) without disengaging the locking means, applied in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (YY) onto the inner top face of the lid (3). Said force is applied from the inside out. It has been found that a locking means capable of withstanding the abovementioned forces, allows the cap (1) to remain closed particularly against pressure build ups resulting from impact forces particularly during accidental knock-over in everyday use.
  • the locking means may be disengaged by applying a force of between 15N and 35N onto a portion of said panel (25).
  • disengagement of the locking means as used hereinbefore, it is meant: the concurrent release of the protrusion (26) from the slot (27) along with abutting and initial sliding of a portion of said panel (25) onto the first surface of contact (10) of said cap body (2).
  • a lubricating additive may be added to the resin of the cap body (2), lid (3) and locking means where the greatest contact occurs.
  • said lubricating additive is selected from the group consisting of erucamide, siloxane and mixtures thereof.
  • at least a portion of the panel (25) may be further connected to the lid (3) by a second material having a lower elastic deformation than the elastically deformable material (28), preferably said second material is the same material of said lid (3).
  • the panel (25) may be connected to the lid (3) by said second material at two discrete locations, one on each of the two sides of the panel (25) parallel and mirrored to each other such to form two parallel pivot points for rotation.
  • the remaining portions of the panel may be connected to the lid (3) via the elastically deformable material (28).
  • the two discrete locations are proximal to the bottom of the panel (25) and distal from the top of the panel (25) such that a greater rotational arm is formed between the two parallel pivot points and said top of the panel (25).
  • the elastically deformable material (28) covers at least one face of said panel (25), preferably the face onto which the user applies pressure thereon, more preferably the face pointing away from the inside of said lid (3).
  • grip is improved allowing the user to apply the necessary pressure for unlocking without the risk of one or more fingers slipping, thus making singlehanded opening easier.
  • the elastically deformable material (28) aids the protrusion (26) to snap into the slot (27) by applying an additional tension, preferably said tension exerts a resultant force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY).
  • said elastically deformable material (28) may comprise indicia on at least part of its surface, preferably the surface onto which the user applies pressure thereon with one or more fingers.
  • said indicia may indicate the optimal position onto which the user should press to achieve unlocking with the least possible effort.
  • Fig. 8A-C illustrate an example of the operation of the cap (1).
  • Fig. 8A illustrates the resting position of the cap (1) in its closed position, prior to use.
  • the user disengages the lid (3) by applying a pressure, preferably in the radial direction, onto at least a portion of the panel (25) forming part of the locking means with one or more fingers.
  • the direction and location of the pressure is indicated in Fig. 8A by the arrow A.
  • This pressure causes the panel (25) to rotate upon an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY) such that the protrusion (26) exits the slot (27) substantially concurrently with a portion of said panel (25) abutting at least a portion of a first surface of contact (10) of the cap body (2).
  • Fig. 8B illustrates the disengagement of the protrusion (26) from the slot (27).
  • the user may now apply a substantially upward pressure to lift the lid (3) to its fully open position for pouring of the content of the container connected thereto.
  • the user may continue to apply a radial pressure, albeit of smaller magnitude, onto said portion of the panel (25) combined with an upward pressure to lift the lid (3) thus creating a smooth transition between the disengagement of the protrusion (26) from the slot (27) and the lifting of the lid.
  • Fig. 8B illustrates both the radial pressure of smaller magnitude A' and the upward pressure B.
  • Fig. 8C illustrates the cap (1) in its fully open position. Once the user has finished pouring the content, the lid (3) may be closed singlehandedly by pushing said lid (3) back onto the cap body (2) until the protrusion (26) snaps back into the slot (27) to lock the cap (1) in its closed position. The operation may be repeated for subsequent uses.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Portable Nailing Machines And Staplers (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Coiffe (1) comprenant :
    (i) un corps de coiffe (2) susceptible d'être relié à un récipient, ledit corps de coiffe (2) comprenant une ouverture de sortie (5) en son sein ;
    (ii) un couvercle (3) pour couplage avec ledit corps de coiffe (2) ;
    (iii) un moyen de scellage jetable (4) scellant ladite ouverture de sortie (5) ; et
    (iv) un moyen de verrouillage disposé sur ledit corps de coiffe (2) et ledit couvercle (3) pour verrouiller ledit couvercle (3) sur ledit corps de coiffe (2).
    caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de verrouillage comprend ;
    (v) un panneau (25) relié audit couvercle (3) sur au moins une partie du périmètre de celui-ci ;
    (vi) au moins une partie saillante (26) s'étendant à partir d'une partie dudit panneau (25) en direction de l'intérieur dudit couvercle (3) pour couplage avec une fente (27) ménagée dans une partie du périmètre dudit corps de coiffe (2) ; et
    (vii) une partie en matériau élastiquement déformable (28), choisie dans le groupe constitué d'un élastomère thermoplastique (TPE), de la silicone et des mélanges de ceux-ci, reliant ledit panneau (25) audit couvercle (3).
  2. Coiffe (1) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle au moins une partie dudit panneau (25) vient en butée contre au moins une partie d'une première surface de contact (10) dudit corps de coiffe (2) lorsqu'une pression est appliquée sur ledit panneau (25), de préférence lorsque ledit couvercle (3) est dans sa position fermée ou partiellement en contact avec ledit corps de coiffe (2).
  3. Coiffe (1) selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle ladite au moins une partie dudit panneau (25) comprend au moins une saillie (29) s'étendant le long d'au moins une partie de la hauteur dudit panneau (25), de préférence ladite saillie (29) comprend un gradient pour améliorer le coulissement sur ladite première surface de contact (10).
  4. Coiffe (1) selon les revendications 1 à 3, dans laquelle au moins une partie de ladite partie saillante (26) s'étend selon un angle et dans laquelle au moins une partie de ladite fente (27) est inclinée selon un angle de sorte qu'un couplage avec ladite partie saillante (26) est obtenu lorsque ledit couvercle (3) est pressé sur ledit corps de coiffe (2), de préférence l'angle de ladite partie saillante (26) est compris entre x et y et l'angle de ladite fente (27) est compris entre x et y, pris à partir d'un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal (YY).
  5. Coiffe (1) selon les revendications 1 à 4, dans laquelle ledit panneau (25) tourne autour d'un axe perpendiculaire audit axe longitudinal (YY) lorsqu'une pression y est appliquée de sorte que le désengagement de ladite partie saillante (26) dudit logement (27) et la mise en butée de ladite au moins une partie dudit panneau (25) sur ladite première surface de contact (10) sont obtenus essentiellement en même temps.
  6. Coiffe (1) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ledit corps de coiffe (2) comprend en outre un bec (6) et dans laquelle ladite ouverture de sortie (5) est située en son sein.
  7. Coiffe (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit couvercle (3) est relié de façon articulée audit corps de coiffe (2).
  8. Coiffe (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit corps de coiffe (2) est susceptible d'être relié à un récipient avec un couple allant jusqu'à 400 Ncm, de préférence jusqu'à 500 Ncm, plus préférablement entre 100 Ncm et 600 Ncm et dans laquelle ledit corps de coiffe (2) subit une déflexion vers le haut ne dépassant pas 0,3 mm.
  9. Coiffe (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit moyen de fermeture étanche jetable (4) comprend une languette à tirer (30) pour un retrait facile, de préférence ladite languette à tirer (30) est dimensionnée de façon à fournir un accès facile à l'utilisateur tout en ne compromettant pas l'ouverture et la fermeture de ladite coiffe (1).
  10. Coiffe (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la force de pelage dudit moyen de fermeture étanche jetable (4) se situe entre 7 N et 15 N, de préférence entre 7 N et 11 N, plus préférablement entre 9 N et 11 N.
  11. Coiffe (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit moyen de scellage jetable (4) présente une pression d'éclatement d'au moins 300 000 Pa (3 bar), de préférence entre 300 000 Pa et 400 000 Pa (3 bar et 4 bar).
  12. Coiffe (1) selon les revendications 1 à 11, dans laquelle ledit corps de coiffe (2) comprend en outre un rebord (19) s'étendant de manière sensiblement parallèle et à proximité dudit bec (6), et dans laquelle ledit couvercle (3) comprend une crête (20) s'étendant à l'intérieur de, et sensiblement parallèle à, une première surface de couvercle (22) définissant le périmètre dudit couvercle (3), dans laquelle ladite crête (20) s'insère entre ledit rebord (19) et une partie de la surface interne (9) de la paroi externe (7) dudit corps de coiffe (2) lorsque ledit couvercle (3) est fermé pour fournir un deuxième moyen de fermeture étanche.
  13. Coiffe (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit corps de coiffe (2) comprend en outre :
    (i) une encoche plate (16) susceptible de venir en contact avec la surface supérieure d'un goulot de récipient lorsque ledit corps de coiffe (2) est complètement vissé sur ledit goulot de récipient ;
    (ii) un joint de rebouchage (18) à proximité de ladite encoche plate (16) s'étendant de manière essentiellement parallèle à l'axe longitudinal (YY) de ladite coiffe (1), et susceptible de venir en contact avec au moins une partie d'une surface interne (9) dudit goulot de récipient ;
    dans laquelle ladite encoche plate (16) et ledit joint de rebouchage (18) fournissent un moyen de fermeture étanche lorsque ledit corps de coiffe (2) est vissé fermement audit goulot de récipient, de préférence lorsque ledit corps de coiffe (2) est vissé sur ledit goulot de récipient avec un couple allant de 100 Ncm à 600 Ncm.
  14. Procédé d'ouverture d'une coiffe à une seule main (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant les étapes consistant à appliquer de la pression sur une partie dudit moyen de verrouillage avec un ou plusieurs doigts et à soulever simultanément ledit couvercle (3), fermant facultativement ledit couvercle (3) en repoussant ledit couvercle (3) sur ledit corps de coiffe.
EP13190198.5A 2010-09-30 2011-09-29 Bouchon pour un récipient Active EP2708473B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US38811510P 2010-09-30 2010-09-30
EP11770263.9A EP2621825B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-29 Bouchon pour contenant

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11770263.9A Division-Into EP2621825B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-29 Bouchon pour contenant
EP11770263.9A Division EP2621825B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-29 Bouchon pour contenant

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2708473A1 EP2708473A1 (fr) 2014-03-19
EP2708473B1 true EP2708473B1 (fr) 2017-11-08

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ID=44801182

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13190198.5A Active EP2708473B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-29 Bouchon pour un récipient
EP11770263.9A Active EP2621825B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-29 Bouchon pour contenant

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11770263.9A Active EP2621825B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-29 Bouchon pour contenant

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EP (2) EP2708473B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP5781615B2 (fr)
AR (1) AR083255A1 (fr)
BR (1) BR112013005570A2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2811595C (fr)
MX (1) MX2013003642A (fr)
WO (1) WO2012044722A1 (fr)

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US11485552B2 (en) 2018-03-16 2022-11-01 Mccormick & Company, Incorporated Dispenser package with flip-up lid and method of making the same

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2621825A1 (fr) 2013-08-07
JP2013542140A (ja) 2013-11-21
MX2013003642A (es) 2013-05-22
AR083255A1 (es) 2013-02-13
EP2621825B1 (fr) 2017-07-05
CA2811595C (fr) 2015-12-01
JP5781615B2 (ja) 2015-09-24
CA2811595A1 (fr) 2012-04-05
WO2012044722A1 (fr) 2012-04-05
BR112013005570A2 (pt) 2016-05-10
EP2708473A1 (fr) 2014-03-19

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