EP3823905B1 - Dispensing closure with venting passages - Google Patents
Dispensing closure with venting passages Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3823905B1 EP3823905B1 EP19749836.3A EP19749836A EP3823905B1 EP 3823905 B1 EP3823905 B1 EP 3823905B1 EP 19749836 A EP19749836 A EP 19749836A EP 3823905 B1 EP3823905 B1 EP 3823905B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- skirt
- deck
- closure
- dispensing
- 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
Links
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 title claims description 36
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 66
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000110 cooling liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000015067 sauces Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 2
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000498 cooling water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
- B65D51/1605—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby the interior of the container is maintained in permanent gaseous communication with the exterior
-
- 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
- B65D47/0833—Hinges without elastic bias
- B65D47/0838—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
-
- 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
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
- B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
- B65D81/261—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for draining or collecting liquids without absorbing them
-
- 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
- B65D2251/1041—The closure having a part penetrating in the dispensing aperture and retained by snapping over integral beads or projections
Definitions
- the invention relates to a dispensing closure comprising:
- Typical dispensing closures for edible products such as sauces have a so called flip-top, wherein the lid is connected to the body by a living hinge and can be flipped open when the product has to be dispensed from the dispensing orifice.
- sauces are hot-filled, which means that a container is filled with the hot substance, e.g. to destroy micro-organisms in the substance.
- a container is filled with the hot substance, e.g. to destroy micro-organisms in the substance.
- the container is filled it is capped, which means that the container is closed by assembling the container and a closure.
- a cooling liquid e.g. water
- This cooling may in practise take for 20 minutes.
- a problem that occurs with dispensing closures, such as flip-top closures, which are cooled with water is that cooling water may end up and remain in the space that is defined between the deck of the closure body and the lid in the closed position, because the sealing between the lid and the deck is not watertight.
- the present invention relates in particular to dispensing closures as described at the outset, wherein the closure has at least one drain passage to allow drainage of undesirable liquid that may exist under the lid in the closed position.
- US 5.934.512 discloses such a dispensing closure in which a lid has drain holes in the lid.
- the drain holes allow water, that is used to cool the container and the closure after the container is hot-filled, to drain.
- this document proposes to turn the bottle on its side and air may be blown across the closure so as to force the water out of the drain holes.
- the present invention has for an object to provide a dispensing closure which has an improved drainage of the liquid trapped under the closed lid.
- a dispensing closure according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the lid is provided with one or more venting passages, which allows air to enter under the lid in the closed position.
- the liquid that is under the closed lid should be able to drain under the influence of gravity.
- a capillary effect arises, which may prevent the liquid from draining.
- the removal of liquid from the space between the lid and the deck of the closure body would create an underpressure, which hinders the drainage of the liquid.
- the proposed venting passage according to the invention prevents that an underpressure occurs in the space between the deck of the closure body and the lid. This improves the drainage of the liquid through the drain passage.
- At least one of the one or more venting passages is formed as a groove recessed in an inner side of the lid skirt, which groove extends from the free end of the lid skirt towards the lid top.
- the groove has a width which is adapted to the surface tension of the liquid, such that the liquid cannot entirely fill the groove.
- the capillary effect which prevents the liquid to enter a too narrow groove. Thereby it is prevented that liquid occludes the venting groove, which would prevent venting air from flowing in.
- the venting groove extends up to the lid top so as to assure that venting air can always reach the space above the liquid that resides in the space between the deck of the closure body and the lid.
- a circumferential recess is formed on the inner side of the lid top, and wherein the groove adjoins said circumferential recess.
- the circumferential recess preferably has a width of the same order as the groove, such that the liquid cannot entirely fill the circumferential recess and it is assured that even if the space between the deck of the closure body and the lid would be entirely filled with liquid, venting air can always reach the top of the lid and end up above the liquid.
- the drain passage is formed by an indent in the free end of the lid skirt. This assures that the drain passage is at the lowest point and the liquid can drain without having to turn the container for example.
- the deck is provided with a slanting surface portion towards the location of the indent in the free end of the lid skirt when the lid is in the closed position. Thereby the drainage of the liquid is further promoted.
- the drain passage is formed by an indent in the deck and/or the outer skirt of the closure body.
- the deck may be provided with a slanting surface portion towards the location of the indent in the deck and/or the outer skirt of the closure body so as to promote the drainage of the liquid.
- the lid is a flip-top lid which is attached to the closure body by a hinge, in particular a living hinge.
- At least one of the one or more venting passages is formed on a location on the inner circumference of the lid skirt opposite the location of the hinge.
- said venting passage opens up in a recess formed under a finger tab formed on the lower end of the lid skirt. The opening of the venting passage is thereby shielded by the finger tab.
- the deck is provided with a slanting surface portion towards the location of the recess formed under the finger tab. Thereby fluid is promoted to flow towards the recess under the finger tab so as to enhance drainage of fluid from the space under the closed lid via the recess.
- a liquid guiding rib is formed on an inner side of the lid skirt, which liquid guiding rib extends towards the drain passage.
- the liquid guiding rib enhances the drainage of liquid trapped under the lid.
- the liquid guiding rib functions as a guiding means which interrupts the liquid surface and guides the liquid towards the drain passage to drain out.
- one end of the guiding rib in the closed position of the lid engages the deck of the closure body or only a small gap remains between the end of the rib and the deck.
- the guiding rib extends through a shallow recess formed in the inner surface of the skirt near the free edge of the skirt.
- the shallow recess slightly enlarges the drain passage and thereby enhances the drainage of the liquid.
- a recess formed under a finger tab is formed on the lower end of the lid skirt, wherein the drain passage is located at said recess.
- the liquid guiding rib which is formed on the inner side of the lid skirt extends towards the drain passage at the recess under the finger tab.
- liquid guiding rib which extends towards a drain passage may also be applied separately from the aspect of the invention according to which the lid is provided with one or more venting passages.
- the dispensing orifice is defined by a spout extending from the deck of the closure body, and wherein the lid top on an inner side thereof has a spud which cooperates with the spout to seal the dispensing orifice.
- the spud and the spout prevent that liquid which resides between the lid and the deck can enter into the dispensing orifice, which could cause growth of mold or other undesired micro-organisms.
- the closure body furthermore includes an inner skirt which is adapted to cooperate with a neck portion of the container to attach the closure body to the container.
- the inner skirt may be provided with a female thread adapted to cooperate with a male thread on a container neck.
- the invention also relates to a method of packaging a substance in a container, wherein:
- the dispensing closure is optimised for draining water from under the closed lid, and the capped container does not have to be turned to move the water towards and out of the drain passages.
- a dispensing closure with a more effective drain system is provided which allows an easier handling process after the cooling of the containers in which the containers may remain in an upright position.
- Fig. 1 shows a flip-top dispensing closure 1 for a container containing a liquid or a fluid substance like a sauce.
- the dispensing closure 1 comprises a main closure body 2 and a flip-top lid 3 which is connected to the closure body 2 by a living hinge 4.
- the closure 1 is typically an injection moulded product in which the closure body 2, the lid 3 and the hinge 4 are made in one piece from a suitable plastics material, such as for example PE or PP.
- Figs. 1 - 5 the closure 1 is shown in an open state in which the lid 3 is flipped open.
- Figs. 6 and 7 the closure 1 is shown in a closed state in which the lid 3 is arranged over the top side of the closure body 2.
- the closure body 2 comprises a deck 5 and an outer skirt 6, which depends from the deck 5.
- the outer skirt 6 extends from the deck 5 towards a free end 18 which engages a shoulder portion of the container when the closure is assembled with the container.
- the deck 5 has a dispensing orifice 16 which is defined by a spout 17 which extends from the upper side of the deck 5.
- the dispensing orifice 16 can be closed off by a self-closing valve (not shown) which may be arranged on the inner side of the closure body.
- a self-closing valve has in general a valve flange which may be arranged against a valve seat 20 formed in the closure body 2.
- Self-closing valves are known per se in the art, and will not be described here in detail, other than to mention that in general such valves have a slitted valve head which is opened by the pressure in the container when the container is for example squeezed. Often such self-closing valves are made from a silicone rubber.
- the closure body 2 comprises an inner skirt 7, which is visible in the cross sectional view of Fig. 5 .
- the inner skirt 7 has a female thread 8 on the inner side, which can cooperate with a male thread provided on a neck portion of the container so as to assemble the closure 1 and thee container.
- a female thread 8 on the inner side, which can cooperate with a male thread provided on a neck portion of the container so as to assemble the closure 1 and thee container.
- the lid 3 comprises a lid top 9 and a lid skirt 10 that extends from the top towards a free end 11.
- the free end 11 of the lid skirt 10 is arranged against or almost against the deck 5 of the closure body 2.
- the free end 11 engages the peripheral edge of the deck such that the lid skirt 10 lies substantially flush with the outer skirt 6 of the closure body 2, which gives the closure a nice look. It must however be noted that it is not essential that the lid skirt 10 and the outer skirt 6 are flush.
- the lid skirt may have a smaller diameter or dimension as the deck, or, may have a slight overhang with respect to the deck.
- the lid 3 is in the closed position, in which the lid 3 is arranged over the top side of the closure body 2.
- the lid and the top side, in particular the deck 5 of the closure body 2 define a space 21.
- This space may in general be filled with air.
- the closure-container assembly may be cooled by a sort of shower. Due to this shower, the cooling liquid, in general water, may enter into the space 21 formed between the lid 3 and the deck 5 of the closure body 2 and remain there.
- the lid 3 is provided with a snap collar 22 which fits over the spout 17. Both the spout 17 and the snap collar 22 have a bead 23 and 24, respectively, which in a closed position of the lid 3 cooperate to provide a snap engagement between the spout 17 and the snap collar 22.
- the beads 23 and 24 also provide partly a sealing, whereby the orifice 16 is sealed from the space 21 between the lid 3 and the deck 5 of the closure body 2.
- the lid 3 is furthermore provided with a spud 25, which is formed coaxial with the snap collar 22.
- the spud 25 engages a radial flange 26 of the spout 17 that extends radially inwards from the collar and defines the dispensing 16 orifice. In the closed state of the lid 3 the spud 25 and the radial flange 26 seal the orifice 16 from the space 21 between the lid 3 and the deck 5 of the closure body 2.
- the snap collar 22 has a slot 33 formed in it, which provides some more flexibility in the collar. Thereby a too strong attachment (weld) between the snap collar 22 and the spout 17 can be avoided which might hamper a first opening of the flip-top lid 3.
- the lid skirt 10 has two indents 12 at diametrical opposite sides as can be seen in Figs 1 and 3 .
- the indents 12 provide drain passages 13 (cf. Fig. 7 ) for fluid which may be present in the space 21 between the lid 3 and the deck 5.
- venting passages is formed on the inner side of the lid skirt 10. These venting passages are formed by grooves 14, 15.
- the venting grooves 15 each extend from one of the indents 12 towards the lid top 9 as can be seen in Figs 1 , 3 and 7 .
- venting groove 14 is located near an overhanging lift tab 29 of the lid 3, opposite the hinge 4. This venting groove 14 extends from the free edge 11 of the lid skirt 10 at the lift tab 29 to the lid top 9, as can be seen in Figs 1 and 6 .
- the lift tab 29 has at an underside a recess 31 which adjoins the groove 14.
- the closure body 2 has a finger recess 30 corresponding to the position of the lift tab 29 of the lid 3.
- the finger recess 30 allows a user to put a finger under the lift tab 29 and lift the lid 3 to flip it open.
- the finger recess 30 provides a passage for venting air to reach the recess 31 in the finger tab 29 and the venting groove 14 communicating therewith, as is best visible in Fig. 6 .
- a shallow circumferential recess 27 is formed at the radial outer side.
- the venting grooves 14 and 15 adjoin the circumferential recess 27.
- the venting grooves 14, 15 and the circumferential recess 27 form a venting system in which venting air can always reach the top of the closed lid 3 and end up above the level of the liquid that is trapped under the lid 3. Thereby it is prevented that a vacuum or underpressure is formed above the liquid under the lid 3, which would impede the drainage of the liquid through the drain passages 13.
- the grooves 14, 15 have a width which is adapted to the surface tension of the liquid, such that the liquid cannot entirely fill the groove.
- the circumferential recess 27 preferably has a width of the same order as the grooves 14 and 15, such that the liquid cannot entirely fill the circumferential recess 27 due to the surface tension of the liquid.
- slanting surface portions 28 are formed in the deck 5.
- the surface portions 28 are slanting towards the location of the corresponding indent 12 in the outer skirt 10 of the lid. Thereby the liquid on the slanting surface 28 can flow towards the corresponding drain passage 13 under the influence of gravity and flow out to the external. Due to the venting passages 14, 15 described in the above, the outflow of liquid does not create an underpressure under the lid 3 whereby the liquid can continue to flow out.
- the liquid can also drain via the recess 31 under the lift tab 29 (cf. Fig. 2 ).
- the recess 31 can also serve to form a drain passage.
- Figs. 12 and 13 a similar embodiment of the closure is shown as in Figs. 1 - 7 .
- this embodiment of Figs 12 and 13 there are not only provided slanting surface portions 28 towards the location of the indents 12, but there is also formed a slanting surface 32 towards the recess 31 at the lift tab 29.
- the slanting surface 29 promotes the flow of liquid towards the recess 31 and out of the space 21 under the lid 3.
- the drain passage is formed by an indent 112 in the deck 5 and the outer skirt of the closure body 2.
- the deck 5 may be provided with a slanting surface portion 28 towards the location of the indent 112 in the deck and the outer skirt of the closure body 2 so as to promote the drainage of the liquid.
- the skirt 10 of the lid 3 has a continuous free edge 11 without indents.
- Figs 9 - 11 another embodiment of the dispensing closure is shown which is similar to the embodiment shown in Figs 1-7 .
- the same parts are therefore indicated by the same reference numerals and for a description is referred to the description in relation to Figs 1 - 7 .
- the only difference between the embodiment of Figs 9-11 and the embodiment of Figs 1 - 7 lies in the detail of the recess at the underside of the lift tab 29.
- the recess 131 has a larger dimension than the recess 31 in the embodiment of Figs 1 - 7 . This larger recess 131 provides a better entrance of venting air into the groove 14.
- Figs 14 - 17 a preferred embodiment of the dispensing closure is shown, which is similar to the embodiment shown in Figs 12 - 13 , with the difference that the venting groove 14 located near the overhanging lift tab 29 of the lid 3 is omitted, and instead a guiding rib 40 is formed on the inner side of the skirt 10 of the lid 3.
- the lift tab 29 has at an underside a recess 31.
- the closure body 2 has a finger recess 30 corresponding to the position of the lift tab 29 of the lid 3.
- the finger recess 30 allows a user to put a finger under the lift tab 29 and lift the lid 3 to flip it open.
- the finger recess 30 provides a passage for venting air to reach the recess 31 in the finger tab 29, but also to drain water from the space 21 under the lid 3 as will be explained.
- the guiding rib 40 extends from the free edge 11 of the lid skirt 10 at the lift tab 29 to the lid top 9, as can be seen in Figs 14 and 15 .
- the rib 40 extends through said recess 41.
- the recess 41 preferably has a slanting surface towards the free edge 11 of the lid skirt 10.
- the end of the rib 40 that is located at the free edge 11 may, in the closed position of the lid, engage the slanting surface 32 as can be best seen in Fig. 16 . However, there may also remain a small gap between the end of the rib 40 and the slanting surface 32. Openings 42 are formed on both sides of the rib 40 (see Fig. 17 ), which openings are defined by the slanting surface 32 and the recess 31 formed on the underside of the lift tab 29.
- the rib 40 provides an improved drainage of liquid that is trapped under the lid 3 compared to the embodiment where a venting groove 14 is provided.
- the rib 40 functions as a guiding means which interrupts the liquid surface whereby the surface tension of the liquid is broken, and the liquid is guided towards the openings 42 to drain out.
- an injection moulded plastic dispensing closure is designed for packaging a substance in a container.
- the container is hot-filled with the substance.
- the dispensing closure 1 is provided and assembled with the container.
- the assembly of the container and the dispensing closure 1 is cooled by spraying a cooling liquid, usually water, on the container-closure assembly.
- the assembly is maintained in an upright position and the liquid is allowed to drain from one or more of drain passages 13.
- the dispensing closure is optimised for draining water from under the closed lid 3, and the capped container does not have to be turned to move the water towards and out of the drain passages.
- a dispensing closure with a more effective drain system is provided which allows an easier and thus cheaper handling process after the cooling of the containers.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Description
- The invention relates to a dispensing closure comprising:
- a closure body adapted to be attached to a container, said closure body having a deck provided with a dispensing orifice and having an outer skirt extending from the deck; and
- a lid having a lid top and a lid skirt that extends from the lid top towards a free end, said lid being adapted to be positioned in a closed position, in which the free end of the lid skirt engages the deck of the closure body.
- Typical dispensing closures for edible products such as sauces have a so called flip-top, wherein the lid is connected to the body by a living hinge and can be flipped open when the product has to be dispensed from the dispensing orifice.
- Particular products, such as sauces are hot-filled, which means that a container is filled with the hot substance, e.g. to destroy micro-organisms in the substance. After the container is filled it is capped, which means that the container is closed by assembling the container and a closure. After this assembly the filled and capped container is cooled by spraying a cooling liquid, e.g. water, on it. This cooling may in practise take for 20 minutes. A problem that occurs with dispensing closures, such as flip-top closures, which are cooled with water is that cooling water may end up and remain in the space that is defined between the deck of the closure body and the lid in the closed position, because the sealing between the lid and the deck is not watertight.
- The present invention relates in particular to dispensing closures as described at the outset, wherein the closure has at least one drain passage to allow drainage of undesirable liquid that may exist under the lid in the closed position.
-
US 5.934.512 discloses such a dispensing closure in which a lid has drain holes in the lid. The drain holes allow water, that is used to cool the container and the closure after the container is hot-filled, to drain. To assist in drainage this document proposes to turn the bottle on its side and air may be blown across the closure so as to force the water out of the drain holes. - Other dispensing closures are disclosed in
JP2009096478 WO98/45184 WO2009/122118 ,US2009/152286 andJPH10258853 - The present invention has for an object to provide a dispensing closure which has an improved drainage of the liquid trapped under the closed lid.
- This object is achieved by a dispensing closure according to the preamble of
claim 1, wherein the lid is provided with one or more venting passages, which allows air to enter under the lid in the closed position. - According to the invention the liquid that is under the closed lid should be able to drain under the influence of gravity. However, due to the small size of the drain opening in relation to the surface tension of the liquid, in particular water, a capillary effect arises, which may prevent the liquid from draining. Moreover, the removal of liquid from the space between the lid and the deck of the closure body would create an underpressure, which hinders the drainage of the liquid. The proposed venting passage according to the invention prevents that an underpressure occurs in the space between the deck of the closure body and the lid. This improves the drainage of the liquid through the drain passage.
- At least one of the one or more venting passages is formed as a groove recessed in an inner side of the lid skirt, which groove extends from the free end of the lid skirt towards the lid top.
- In a further preferred embodiment the groove has a width which is adapted to the surface tension of the liquid, such that the liquid cannot entirely fill the groove. Here use is made of the capillary effect, which prevents the liquid to enter a too narrow groove. Thereby it is prevented that liquid occludes the venting groove, which would prevent venting air from flowing in.
- Preferably the venting groove extends up to the lid top so as to assure that venting air can always reach the space above the liquid that resides in the space between the deck of the closure body and the lid. In a further preferred embodiment a circumferential recess is formed on the inner side of the lid top, and wherein the groove adjoins said circumferential recess. The circumferential recess preferably has a width of the same order as the groove, such that the liquid cannot entirely fill the circumferential recess and it is assured that even if the space between the deck of the closure body and the lid would be entirely filled with liquid, venting air can always reach the top of the lid and end up above the liquid.
- In a preferred embodiment the drain passage is formed by an indent in the free end of the lid skirt. This assures that the drain passage is at the lowest point and the liquid can drain without having to turn the container for example. Preferably the deck is provided with a slanting surface portion towards the location of the indent in the free end of the lid skirt when the lid is in the closed position. Thereby the drainage of the liquid is further promoted.
- In another embodiment the drain passage is formed by an indent in the deck and/or the outer skirt of the closure body. Also in this embodiment the deck may be provided with a slanting surface portion towards the location of the indent in the deck and/or the outer skirt of the closure body so as to promote the drainage of the liquid.
- In a possible embodiment of the invention the lid is a flip-top lid which is attached to the closure body by a hinge, in particular a living hinge.
- In a further embodiment at least one of the one or more venting passages is formed on a location on the inner circumference of the lid skirt opposite the location of the hinge. Preferably said venting passage opens up in a recess formed under a finger tab formed on the lower end of the lid skirt. The opening of the venting passage is thereby shielded by the finger tab.
- In a further embodiment the deck is provided with a slanting surface portion towards the location of the recess formed under the finger tab. Thereby fluid is promoted to flow towards the recess under the finger tab so as to enhance drainage of fluid from the space under the closed lid via the recess.
- In another embodiment a liquid guiding rib is formed on an inner side of the lid skirt, which liquid guiding rib extends towards the drain passage. The liquid guiding rib enhances the drainage of liquid trapped under the lid. The liquid guiding rib functions as a guiding means which interrupts the liquid surface and guides the liquid towards the drain passage to drain out.
- To further promote drainage, one end of the guiding rib in the closed position of the lid engages the deck of the closure body or only a small gap remains between the end of the rib and the deck.
- In a further embodiment the guiding rib extends through a shallow recess formed in the inner surface of the skirt near the free edge of the skirt. The shallow recess slightly enlarges the drain passage and thereby enhances the drainage of the liquid.
- In a further preferred embodiment a recess formed under a finger tab is formed on the lower end of the lid skirt, wherein the drain passage is located at said recess. The liquid guiding rib which is formed on the inner side of the lid skirt extends towards the drain passage at the recess under the finger tab.
- The aspect of the liquid guiding rib which extends towards a drain passage may also be applied separately from the aspect of the invention according to which the lid is provided with one or more venting passages.
- In a possible embodiment the dispensing orifice is defined by a spout extending from the deck of the closure body, and wherein the lid top on an inner side thereof has a spud which cooperates with the spout to seal the dispensing orifice. The spud and the spout prevent that liquid which resides between the lid and the deck can enter into the dispensing orifice, which could cause growth of mold or other undesired micro-organisms.
- In a possible embodiment the closure body furthermore includes an inner skirt which is adapted to cooperate with a neck portion of the container to attach the closure body to the container. The inner skirt may be provided with a female thread adapted to cooperate with a male thread on a container neck.
- The invention also relates to a method of packaging a substance in a container, wherein:
- the container is hot-filled with the substance;
- a dispensing closure as described in the above is provided and assembled with the container;
- the assembly of the container and the dispensing closure is cooled by spraying a cooling liquid on the assembly;
- the assembly is maintained in an upright position and the liquid is allowed to drain from the one or more drain passages.
- Contrary to the prior art, the dispensing closure is optimised for draining water from under the closed lid, and the capped container does not have to be turned to move the water towards and out of the drain passages. Thus a dispensing closure with a more effective drain system is provided which allows an easier handling process after the cooling of the containers in which the containers may remain in an upright position.
- The invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing, in which:
-
Fig. 1 shows a view in perspective of a preferred embodiment of a dispensing closure according to the invention in an open state, -
Fig. 2 shows a top elevational view of the dispensing closure ofFig. 1 in an opens state, -
Fig. 3 shows another view in perspective of the closure ofFig. 1 in an open state, -
Fig. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the closure ofFig. 1 in an open state, -
Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the lid of the closure ofFig. 1 in an open state, -
Fig. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the closure ofFig. 1 in a closed state, -
Fig. 7 shows another cross sectional view of the closure ofFig. 1 in a closed state, -
Fig. 8 shows a view in perspective of an alternative embodiment of a dispensing closure according to the invention in an open state, -
Fig. 9 shows a cross sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a dispensing closure of the invention, -
Fig. 10 shows a detail of the lid of the closure ofFig. 9 in cross section, -
Fig. 11 shows in a view in perspective a detail of the lid of the closure ofFig. 9 in an open state, -
Fig. 12 shows in a view in perspective yet another preferred embodiment of a dispensing closure according to the invention in an open state, -
Fig. 13 shows a cross sectional view of the closure ofFig. 12 in a closed state, -
Fig. 14 shows in a view in perspective yet another preferred embodiment of a dispensing closure according to the invention in an open state, -
Fig. 15 shows a cross sectional view of the closure ofFig. 14 in a closed state, -
Fig. 16 shows a detail indicated by A inFig. 15 , and -
Fig. 17 shows a view in perspective from below of a front side of the closure ofFig. 14 in a closed state. -
Fig. 1 shows a flip-top dispensing closure 1 for a container containing a liquid or a fluid substance like a sauce. The dispensingclosure 1 comprises amain closure body 2 and a flip-top lid 3 which is connected to theclosure body 2 by aliving hinge 4. Theclosure 1 is typically an injection moulded product in which theclosure body 2, thelid 3 and thehinge 4 are made in one piece from a suitable plastics material, such as for example PE or PP. - In
Figs. 1 - 5 theclosure 1 is shown in an open state in which thelid 3 is flipped open. InFigs. 6 and 7 theclosure 1 is shown in a closed state in which thelid 3 is arranged over the top side of theclosure body 2. - The
closure body 2 comprises adeck 5 and anouter skirt 6, which depends from thedeck 5. Theouter skirt 6 extends from thedeck 5 towards afree end 18 which engages a shoulder portion of the container when the closure is assembled with the container. - The
deck 5 has a dispensingorifice 16 which is defined by aspout 17 which extends from the upper side of thedeck 5. The dispensingorifice 16 can be closed off by a self-closing valve (not shown) which may be arranged on the inner side of the closure body. Such a self-closing valve has in general a valve flange which may be arranged against avalve seat 20 formed in theclosure body 2. Self-closing valves are known per se in the art, and will not be described here in detail, other than to mention that in general such valves have a slitted valve head which is opened by the pressure in the container when the container is for example squeezed. Often such self-closing valves are made from a silicone rubber. - The
closure body 2 comprises aninner skirt 7, which is visible in the cross sectional view ofFig. 5 . Theinner skirt 7 has afemale thread 8 on the inner side, which can cooperate with a male thread provided on a neck portion of the container so as to assemble theclosure 1 and thee container. It is noted that also other means are possible to connect the closure to a container and that the present invention is by no means limited by the present example of a preferred embodiment. For example snap connections are also common to attach a dispensing closure to a container. - The
lid 3 comprises alid top 9 and alid skirt 10 that extends from the top towards afree end 11. In the closed state, which is shown inFigs 5 and6 , thefree end 11 of thelid skirt 10 is arranged against or almost against thedeck 5 of theclosure body 2. In the shown embodiment thefree end 11 engages the peripheral edge of the deck such that thelid skirt 10 lies substantially flush with theouter skirt 6 of theclosure body 2, which gives the closure a nice look. It must however be noted that it is not essential that thelid skirt 10 and theouter skirt 6 are flush. The lid skirt may have a smaller diameter or dimension as the deck, or, may have a slight overhang with respect to the deck. - In
Figs. 6 and 7 thelid 3 is in the closed position, in which thelid 3 is arranged over the top side of theclosure body 2. In the closed state the lid and the top side, in particular thedeck 5 of theclosure body 2 define aspace 21. This space may in general be filled with air. However, when theclosure 1 is assembled with a container which is hot-filled with a substance, e.g. a food stuff such as a sauce, the closure-container assembly may be cooled by a sort of shower. Due to this shower, the cooling liquid, in general water, may enter into thespace 21 formed between thelid 3 and thedeck 5 of theclosure body 2 and remain there. - The
lid 3 is provided with asnap collar 22 which fits over thespout 17. Both thespout 17 and thesnap collar 22 have abead lid 3 cooperate to provide a snap engagement between thespout 17 and thesnap collar 22. Thebeads orifice 16 is sealed from thespace 21 between thelid 3 and thedeck 5 of theclosure body 2. Thelid 3 is furthermore provided with a spud 25, which is formed coaxial with thesnap collar 22. The spud 25 engages a radial flange 26 of thespout 17 that extends radially inwards from the collar and defines the dispensing 16 orifice. In the closed state of thelid 3 the spud 25 and the radial flange 26 seal theorifice 16 from thespace 21 between thelid 3 and thedeck 5 of theclosure body 2. - The
snap collar 22 has aslot 33 formed in it, which provides some more flexibility in the collar. Thereby a too strong attachment (weld) between thesnap collar 22 and thespout 17 can be avoided which might hamper a first opening of the flip-top lid 3. - At its
free edge 11 thelid skirt 10 has twoindents 12 at diametrical opposite sides as can be seen inFigs 1 and3 . When thelid 3 is closed, theindents 12 provide drain passages 13 (cf.Fig. 7 ) for fluid which may be present in thespace 21 between thelid 3 and thedeck 5. - A number of venting passages is formed on the inner side of the
lid skirt 10. These venting passages are formed bygrooves - The venting
grooves 15 each extend from one of theindents 12 towards thelid top 9 as can be seen inFigs 1 ,3 and7 . - Another venting
groove 14 is located near an overhanginglift tab 29 of thelid 3, opposite thehinge 4. This ventinggroove 14 extends from thefree edge 11 of thelid skirt 10 at thelift tab 29 to thelid top 9, as can be seen inFigs 1 and6 . Thelift tab 29 has at an underside arecess 31 which adjoins thegroove 14. Theclosure body 2 has afinger recess 30 corresponding to the position of thelift tab 29 of thelid 3. Thefinger recess 30 allows a user to put a finger under thelift tab 29 and lift thelid 3 to flip it open. Moreover, thefinger recess 30 provides a passage for venting air to reach therecess 31 in thefinger tab 29 and the ventinggroove 14 communicating therewith, as is best visible inFig. 6 . - In the lid top 9 a shallow
circumferential recess 27 is formed at the radial outer side. The ventinggrooves circumferential recess 27. The ventinggrooves circumferential recess 27 form a venting system in which venting air can always reach the top of theclosed lid 3 and end up above the level of the liquid that is trapped under thelid 3. Thereby it is prevented that a vacuum or underpressure is formed above the liquid under thelid 3, which would impede the drainage of the liquid through the drain passages 13. - The
grooves narrow groove grooves lid 3. - The
circumferential recess 27 preferably has a width of the same order as thegrooves circumferential recess 27 due to the surface tension of the liquid. Thereby it is assured that even if thespace 21 between thedeck 5 of theclosure body 2 and thelid 3 would be entirely filled with liquid, venting air can always reach the top of thelid 3 and end up above the liquid and assure the prevention of a vacuum. - In order to further promote the drainage of liquid from under the
closed lid 3, slantingsurface portions 28 are formed in thedeck 5. Thesurface portions 28 are slanting towards the location of thecorresponding indent 12 in theouter skirt 10 of the lid. Thereby the liquid on the slantingsurface 28 can flow towards the corresponding drain passage 13 under the influence of gravity and flow out to the external. Due to theventing passages lid 3 whereby the liquid can continue to flow out. - The liquid can also drain via the
recess 31 under the lift tab 29 (cf.Fig. 2 ). Hence therecess 31 can also serve to form a drain passage. - In
Figs. 12 and 13 a similar embodiment of the closure is shown as inFigs. 1 - 7 . In this embodiment ofFigs 12 and 13 , however, there are not only provided slantingsurface portions 28 towards the location of theindents 12, but there is also formed a slantingsurface 32 towards therecess 31 at thelift tab 29. The slantingsurface 29 promotes the flow of liquid towards therecess 31 and out of thespace 21 under thelid 3. - In an alternative embodiment, which is shown in
Fig. 8 , the drain passage is formed by anindent 112 in thedeck 5 and the outer skirt of theclosure body 2. Also in this embodiment thedeck 5 may be provided with a slantingsurface portion 28 towards the location of theindent 112 in the deck and the outer skirt of theclosure body 2 so as to promote the drainage of the liquid. In this embodiment theskirt 10 of thelid 3 has a continuousfree edge 11 without indents. - In
Figs 9 - 11 another embodiment of the dispensing closure is shown which is similar to the embodiment shown inFigs 1-7 . The same parts are therefore indicated by the same reference numerals and for a description is referred to the description in relation toFigs 1 - 7 . Basically the only difference between the embodiment ofFigs 9-11 and the embodiment ofFigs 1 - 7 lies in the detail of the recess at the underside of thelift tab 29. In the embodiment ofFigs 9 - 11 , therecess 131 has a larger dimension than therecess 31 in the embodiment ofFigs 1 - 7 . Thislarger recess 131 provides a better entrance of venting air into thegroove 14. - In
Figs 14 - 17 a preferred embodiment of the dispensing closure is shown, which is similar to the embodiment shown inFigs 12 - 13 , with the difference that the ventinggroove 14 located near the overhanginglift tab 29 of thelid 3 is omitted, and instead a guidingrib 40 is formed on the inner side of theskirt 10 of thelid 3. - The
lift tab 29 has at an underside arecess 31. Theclosure body 2 has afinger recess 30 corresponding to the position of thelift tab 29 of thelid 3. Thefinger recess 30 allows a user to put a finger under thelift tab 29 and lift thelid 3 to flip it open. Moreover, thefinger recess 30 provides a passage for venting air to reach therecess 31 in thefinger tab 29, but also to drain water from thespace 21 under thelid 3 as will be explained. - The guiding
rib 40 extends from thefree edge 11 of thelid skirt 10 at thelift tab 29 to thelid top 9, as can be seen inFigs 14 and 15 . Adjoining therecess 31 under thelift tab 29, ashallow recess 41 is formed in the inner surface of theskirt 10 near thefree edge 11 of theskirt 10. Therib 40 extends through saidrecess 41. Therecess 41 preferably has a slanting surface towards thefree edge 11 of thelid skirt 10. - The end of the
rib 40 that is located at thefree edge 11 may, in the closed position of the lid, engage the slantingsurface 32 as can be best seen inFig. 16 . However, there may also remain a small gap between the end of therib 40 and the slantingsurface 32.Openings 42 are formed on both sides of the rib 40 (seeFig. 17 ), which openings are defined by the slantingsurface 32 and therecess 31 formed on the underside of thelift tab 29. - Surprisingly it was found that the
rib 40 provides an improved drainage of liquid that is trapped under thelid 3 compared to the embodiment where a ventinggroove 14 is provided. Therib 40 functions as a guiding means which interrupts the liquid surface whereby the surface tension of the liquid is broken, and the liquid is guided towards theopenings 42 to drain out. - In the above several embodiments of an injection moulded plastic dispensing closure according to the invention is described with reference to the figures. Such a dispensing closure is designed for packaging a substance in a container. In general the container is hot-filled with the substance. Next, the dispensing
closure 1 is provided and assembled with the container. The assembly of the container and thedispensing closure 1 is cooled by spraying a cooling liquid, usually water, on the container-closure assembly. The assembly is maintained in an upright position and the liquid is allowed to drain from one or more of drain passages 13. Contrary to the prior art, the dispensing closure is optimised for draining water from under theclosed lid 3, and the capped container does not have to be turned to move the water towards and out of the drain passages. Thus a dispensing closure with a more effective drain system is provided which allows an easier and thus cheaper handling process after the cooling of the containers.
Claims (15)
- Dispensing closure (1) comprising:- a lid (3) having a lid top (9) and a lid skirt (10) that extends from the lid top (9) towards a free end (11),wherein the closure has at least one drain passage (13) to allow drainage of undesirable liquid that may exist under the lid (3) in the closed position, andwherein the lid (3) is provided with one or more venting passages, which allows air to enter under the lid (3) in the closed position,characterized in that:- the dispensing closure furthermore comprises a closure body (2) adapted to be attached to a container, said closure body (2) having a deck (5) provided with a dispensing orifice (16) and having an outer skirt (6) extending from the deck (5), said lid (3) being adapted to be positioned in a closed position, in which the free end (11) of the lid skirt (10) engages the deck (5) of the closure body (2), and- at least one of the one or more venting passages is formed as a groove (14, 15) recessed in an inner side of the lid skirt (10), which groove (14, 15) extends from the free end (11) of the lid skirt (10) towards the lid top (9).
- Dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the groove (14, 15) has a width which is adapted to the surface tension of the liquid, such that the liquid cannot entirely fill the groove (14, 15).
- Dispensing closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one groove (14, 15) is located such that it ends at the drain passage (13).
- Dispensing closure according to any of the claims 1 - 3, wherein the groove (14, 15) extends up to the inner side of the lid top (9), wherein preferably a circumferential recess (27) is formed on the inner side of the lid top (9), and wherein the groove (14, 15) adjoins said circumferential recess (27).
- Dispensing closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drain passage (13) is formed by an indent (12) in the free end of the lid skirt (10), wherein preferably the deck (5) is provided with a slanting surface portion (28) towards the location of the indent (12) in the free end of the lid skirt when the lid is in the closed position.
- Dispensing closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drain passage is formed by an indent (112) in the deck (5) and/or the outer skirt of the closure body (2), wherein preferably the deck is provided with a slanting surface portion (28) towards the location of the indent (112) in the deck and/or the outer skirt of the closure body.
- Dispensing closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (3) is a flip-top lid which is attached to the closure body(2) by a hinge, in particular a living hinge (4), wherein preferably at least one of the one or more venting passages is formed on a location on the inner circumference of the lid skirt opposite the location of the hinge.
- Dispensing closure according to claim 7, wherein said venting passage opens up in a recess (31) formed under a finger tab (29) formed on the lower end of the lid skirt, wherein preferably the deck is provided with a slanting surface portion towards the location of the recess formed under the finger tab.
- Dispensing closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a liquid guiding rib (40) is formed on an inner side of the lid skirt (10), which liquid guiding rib (40) extends towards the drain passage (13), wherein preferably one end of the liquid guiding rib in the closed position of the lid engages the deck (5) of the closure body or only a small gap remains between the end of the rib (40) and the deck (5).
- Dispensing closure according to -claim 9, wherein the guiding rib (40) extends through a shallow recess (41) formed in the inner surface of the skirt (10) near the free edge (11) of the skirt.
- Dispensing closure according to any of the claims 9 - 10, wherein a recess (31) formed under a finger tab (29) is formed on the lower end of the lid skirt, wherein the drain passage (13) is located at said recess.
- Dispensing closure according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more of the following features:- wherein the closure body (2) furthermore includes an inner skirt (7) which is adapted to cooperate with a neck portion of the container to attach the closure body to the container- wherein the dispensing orifice (16) is defined by a spout (17) extending from the deck (5) of the closure body, and wherein the lid top on an inner side thereof has a spud (25) which cooperates with the spout (17) to seal the dispensing orifice (16).
- Dispensing closure (1) comprising:- a closure body (2) adapted to be attached to a container, said closure body (2) having a deck (5) provided with a dispensing orifice (16) and having an outer skirt (6) extending from the deck (5);- a lid having a lid top (9) and a lid skirt (10) that extends from the lid top (9) towards a free end (11), said lid being adapted to be positioned in a closed position, in which the free end (11) of the lid skirt (10) engages the deck (5) of the closure body (2),wherein the closure has at least one drain passage (13) to allow drainage of undesirable liquid that may exist under the lid in the closed position,characterized in that a liquid guiding rib (40) is formed on an inner side of the lid skirt (10), which liquid guiding rib (40) extends towards the drain passage (13), wherein one end of the liquid guiding rib in the closed position of the lid engages the deck (5) of the closure body or only a small gap remains between the end of the rib (40) and the deck (5).
- Assembly of a container containing a substance to be dispensed and a dispensing closure according to any of the preceding claims.
- Method of packaging a substance in a container, wherein:- the container is hot-filled with the substance;- a dispensing closure according to any of the preceding claims is provided and assembled with the container;- the assembly of the container and the dispensing closure is cooled by spraying a cooling liquid on the assembly;- the assembly is maintained in an upright position and the liquid is allowed to drain from the one or more drain passages (13).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL2021318A NL2021318B1 (en) | 2018-07-16 | 2018-07-16 | Dispensing closure with venting passages |
NL2021573A NL2021573B1 (en) | 2018-07-16 | 2018-09-06 | Dispensing closure with venting passages |
PCT/NL2019/050415 WO2020017954A1 (en) | 2018-07-16 | 2019-07-04 | Dispensing closure with venting passages |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3823905A1 EP3823905A1 (en) | 2021-05-26 |
EP3823905B1 true EP3823905B1 (en) | 2023-12-27 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP19749836.3A Active EP3823905B1 (en) | 2018-07-16 | 2019-07-04 | Dispensing closure with venting passages |
Country Status (2)
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EP (1) | EP3823905B1 (en) |
NL (2) | NL2021318B1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5934512A (en) * | 1997-04-09 | 1999-08-10 | The Coca-Cola Company | Dispensing valve closure with inner seal |
JP5153287B2 (en) * | 2007-10-15 | 2013-02-27 | ライオン株式会社 | Inverted container cap |
US20090152286A1 (en) * | 2007-12-13 | 2009-06-18 | Wilson Kelce S | Drainable cap for invertible containers |
GB0806190D0 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2008-05-14 | Obrist Closures Switzerland | A closure |
-
2018
- 2018-07-16 NL NL2021318A patent/NL2021318B1/en active
- 2018-09-06 NL NL2021573A patent/NL2021573B1/en active
-
2019
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NL2021318B1 (en) | 2020-01-24 |
NL2021573B1 (en) | 2020-01-24 |
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