GB2518740A

GB2518740A - Flip top closure for container

Info

Publication number: GB2518740A
Application number: GB1413515.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith E Antal Sr; Chad E Lagace
Original assignee: Sonoco Development Inc
Current assignee: Sonoco Development Inc
Priority date: 2013-09-26
Filing date: 2014-07-30
Publication date: 2015-04-01
Also published as: US20150083724A1; GB2518740A8; GB201413515D0

Abstract

A closure (10, fig 1) is provided having a body (16, fig 1) dimensionally formed for closing an opening within a container 12. A closing flap 22 is pivotally positioned on the closure body and is moveable between an opened position, wherein the flap is pivoted upward, and a closed position, wherein the flap is pivoted to overlap a recess 20 in the top surface 18 of the body containing a frangible area 24. A flexible dome 26 is formed on the flap 22. A contact member 40 projects from flap 22, opposite dome 26. The contact member 40 is positioned adjacent the frangible area 24 when flap 22 is in the closed position. A downward force to dome 26 causes a flexing toward the frangible area 24 and at least a partial tearing of the area. The closure (10, fig 1) and flap 22 may be integrally formed and may be connected via a living hinge.

Description

FLIP TOP CLOSURE FOR CONTAINER

Field of the Invention

100011 The present disclosure relates to closure assembly for a container. Preferably, the closure includes a frangible discharge opening within the body of the assembly.

Background

100021 Closures in the form of a lid or overcap for a container are provided in a number of forms. An example of a container with sealing rim for receiving a plastic overcap is shown in US 7,165,306. Means for sealing a container in conjunction with the reclosable lid or overcap are also known. One example of a seal for a container is the provision of a flexible membrane sealed to the rim of the container, with the membrane being removable to provide access to the contents of the container.

100031 Wells US 3,807,597 shows a container having a top closure including a scored section that may be deformed inwardly to create an opening for access to the product within the container. A separate tab member is attached to the top closure and includes a projecting chime on its lower surface. The tab member can be moved into alignment with the scored section and for engagement with the chime to separate the scored section.

100041 Patel, et al. US 3,938,693 shows a container having a formed recess or cavity on the upper surface of an end section of the container. A closing flap is provided at the base of the cavity with a fitment or ring provided in the recess, above the flap. The fitment is retained by a covering surface. The lower surface of the ring member forms a lancing surface that, upon application of a force, causes the closing flap to tear away from the container surface.

100051 Robichaud, et al. US 5,101,999 shows a closure assembly attached to a multi-layer package wall. The closure includes a sealing flap and a separate pushing member positioned in a recess formed by the closure. The pushing member includes a central nb that contacts a sealing surface at the base of the closure A separation line in the sealing surface aligns with the rib.

Upon application of an opening force on the pushing member, the rib causes a tear along the separation line, creatir,g side flaps that move into the container.

10006] Taylor US 6.685,055 shows a pivoting lever having a piercing edge fonned on one end for breaking a sealing surface formed within the upper surface of a container.

Summary of the Invention

10007] The present disclosure related to a closure assembly for a container. The assembly includes a closure body dimensionally formed for closing an opening within the container. The closure body includes top surface having a recess formed therein. A closing flap is pivotally positioned ott the top surface, with the flap having an open position and a closed posi ion. In. the open position, the flap is pivoted upward from the top surface. In the closed position., the flap is pivoted to overlap the recess and may engage with the top surface to secure the flap to the body.

A franeibie area is defined withir the recessed surface and the closing flap is aligned with and overlaps the frangible area in the closed position. A flexible dome is formed within and is projected convexly from an upper surface of the closure flap. A contact member projects from a lower surface of the closure flap and is aligned with the flexible dome on the flap. The contact member is positioned adjacent the frangible area, when the dosing flap is in the closed position.

The application of a downward activation force applied to the dome causes a flexing of the dome toward the top surface and a corresponding engagement force by the projecting member on the frangible area within the recess. [he engagement force causes a desI.ructive tearing of the frangible area and a separation of at least a portion of the frangible area from the top surface, forming an opening in the closure body.

0008 In a further aspect of the assembly, the closing flap is integrally formed with the closure body. The closure assembly preferably is integrally formed from a thermoplastic materia.l and is injection molded, The container may be separately formed or may be (at least in part) integrally molded with closure.

10009] in a furthe.r aspect of the assembly, the frangible area includes a defined apex formed adjacent the outer periphery of the body. The contact member preferably engages the frangible area adjacent the apex. The frangible area may further include a base, positioned radially inward of the apex, with the base forming a flexing hinge for the frangible area after opening.

10010] in a still further aspect of the assembly, the dome on the closing flap is preferably formed within the recess area, projecting from the upper surfhce of the flap no further than the plane of the top surface of the closure body.

10011] Ina. further aspect of the assembly, the closing flap furLher includes an engagement tab for releasably retaining the flap in the closed position, The closure body may further include a peripheral skirt projecting from an underside of the body. The skirt is preferably dimensioned for engagement with a rim of the container and for fixing the closure body over the container opening.

10012] Other features and variations of the assembly will become apparent by a review of the

disclosure below

Brief Description of the Drawings

0013] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there rs shown in the drawings one or more forms that are presently preferred; it being understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentallties shown.

10014] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a closure assembly positioned within a top opening of a container, 10015] Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the closure assembly shown in Fig. I. with a closing flap portion shown in an opened position.

10016] Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of the closure assembly with the closing flap portion shown in a closed position.

10017] Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the closure assembly of Figs. li3.

10018] Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the closure assembly with the closing flap portion shown in an opened position.

10(119] Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the closure assembly as taken along, line 6--6 in Fig. with the closing flap portion shown in an opened position and a portion of a container shown in phantom.

10020] Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the closure, with the flap portion shown in a closed position.

10021] Fig.. 8 is a first cross sectional view of Lhe closure as taken along, line 8-8 in Fig. 7, with the flap portion shown in the closed position.

10022] Fig.. 9 is a second cross sectional view of the closure assembly of' Fig. 7 with the closing flap portion shown in a closed position arid with an activation force being applied to the closing flap for opening a frangible portion within the body of the closure, 10023] Fig. 0 is a top perspective view of the closure body with the closing flap portion in an opened position and with the frangible portion in an opened condition.

Detailed Description

0024 Referring now to the drawings, where like numerals identify like elements, there is shown in Fig. I a combination of a closure assembly and container forming a sealed package. In the drawings the closure assembly is generally referred to by the numeral 10 a.nd the container is referred to by the numeral 12. In Fig. 1, the closure assembLy 10 is positioned on the top end 14 of the container 12. Typically, the container top end 14 includes an opening having a defined rim. The closure assembly 10 is inserted onto or within the opening and conforms with or otherwise engages the rim. The closure assembly 10 is preferably formed from a thermoplastic material and is preferably Inlection molded. Ihe contamer 12 may he separately formed from any number of known materials. The container 1 2 may also be (at least in part) integrally molded with closure assembly 10.

10025] In Fig. 1, the closure assembly 10 is shown to include a closure body 16 dimensionally formed for closing the opening within the top end 14 of the container 12. The closure body 16 includes a top surface 18. The top surface 18 includes a recess 20 formed therein and a closing flap 22 pivotaily positioned on the top surface, adjacent the recess 20. The closing, flap 22 is integrally formed with the closure body 16 and is connected to the cop surface 18 at the inward ba.se of the recess 20. The flap 22 is connected to the closure body by a living hinge. The flap 22 may be pivoted from an opened position, wherein the flap 22. is pivoted upward from the top surface 18, as shown in Figs. I and 2. to a closed position, wherein the flap 22 is pivoted to overlap the recess 20 and engage with the top surface 18, as shown in Fig. 3. As outlined in Fig 2, a frangible area 24 is provided within the recess 20 of the top surface 18 The closing flap 22 is aligned with arid overlaps the frangible area 24 in the closed position, as shown.

in Fig, 3. A flexible dome 26 is forn.ed on the closing flap 2.2.

10026] The underside surface 30 of the closure body 16 is shown in Fig. 4. The recess area projects downwardly within the underside surface 30. The frangible are 24 is defined by a series of grooves 32 in the underside surface 30. The underside grooves 32 correspond to the outline in Figs. and 2 and form a reduced thickness in the closure body 16. The grooves 32 serve to form tear lines in die top surface 18 and upon tearing to create an opening in the closure body 16.

10027] As shown in Figs. 2-4, the closure body 16 includes an outer periphery 34 that generally conforms to the dimension of the opening in the top end 14 of ti.e. container 12, as shown in Fig. 1. Projected downwardly from the outer periphery 34 is an annular skin 36, The skirt 36 is dimensioned to fit within the container opening. An outward projecting rim flange 38 is formed on the outer periphery of the skirt 36. The ñm flange 38 engages the rim of the container opening, The rim flange 38 forms a leveling stop for the insertion of the skirt 36 into the container opening. The positioning of the closure assembLy 10 within the top end 14 of the container 12 is shown in the cross section of Fig. 6.

10028] The dome 26 is fornied on an upper surface 28 of the flap 22 and includes a convex c) ..

top surface. As shown in the cross sections ot Figs. o, S and 9, the curved dome 26 is ronned in the closing flap 22 below the plane of the top surface 18 of the closure body 16. This positioning of the dome 2.6 creates a level upper surface for the closure assembly 10, permitting the stacking of a seconda;y container and closure combination. The dome 26 may, however, project upwardly, if desired. In Fig. 7. the flap 22 is pivoted into the opened position, away from the recess 20. A cross section of the flap 22 in the open position is shown in Fig. 6. In Fig. 7, the flap 22 is pivoted to the closed position, with the flap 22 fixed in the recess 20.

--C) -- 10029 As shown in the cross sections of Fig's(, 8 and 9, a contact member 40 projects from a lower surface 42 of the closure flap 22. The contact member O is formed on the underside of the flexible dome 26 on the lower surface 42 of the flap 22 The contact member may be formed as a rib, buttor., tab or other desired form of projection. The contact member 40 is positioned adiacent to or in contact with the frangible area 24 within the recess 20, when the flap 22 is in the c]osed position. Preferably, the frangible area 221 inc]udes a tapered or triangular form, with an apex 44 located at an outward position, relativeLy close to the outer periphery 34 of the closure body 16. As shown, the apex 44 includes a rounded top edge with an outwardly tapering side edges extending therefrom, The contact member 40 is positioned closely adjacent the apex 44 in the closed position of the flap 22. As shown in Fig. 8, the grooves 32 in the underside surface 30 of the closure body 16 include a hinge groove portion 32a and a tearing groove portion 32h. The hinge groove 32a is formed at the base of the triangular shaped frangible area 24, opposite the apex 44. The closing flap 22 includes an engagement tab 46 on its underside edge for resilient engagement with a latch surface 48 on the outer periphety 34 of the closure body 16. The frictional interaction of the tab 46 with the latch surface 48 retains the flap 22 in the closed position.

[0030] In Fig'. 9. there Is graplucaily shown the application of a downward activation force, designated by the alTow 51. Ihe activation force 50 is applied to the top surface of the dome 26.

Due to the flexibility of the dome 26. the normally convex shape of the dome 26 tends to invert under the activation force 50. The inversion of the dome 26 creates a corresponding movement of the contact member 40 and an engagement force applied against the apex 44 of the frangible area 24. The groove 32h that defines the apex of the frangible area 24 creates a weakened portion of the recessed surface 20, The activation force 50 is preferably accentuated by the inversion of the dome 26. This flexing of the dome 26 creates a force sufficient to start the destructive tearing of the trangible area 24, starting at the apex 44. The relative positioning of the contact member 40 adjacent the apex 44 locates the engagement force at the apex 44, causing a tearing along the grooves 325, towards the base of the triangular area.

10031] The engagement force resulting from the movement of the dome 26 and its underside contact member 40 is sufficient to start the tearing of the grooves 32b adjacent the apex 44 of the frangible area. Hence, the opening 52 of the closure assembly 10 is initiated by the actuaüon force 50. The continued opening of the flangibie area 24 may be accomplishe.d by first moving the flap 22 from the closed position (Figs. 8 and 9) to the openec position (Fig. 6). i-\ further opening force may then he applied to the (at least) partially' opened frangible area 24 to complete movement of the separated portion into the container. The separated portion of th.e frangible area 24 is preferably pivoted about the hinge groove 32a, The hinge groove 32a forms a flexing edge or living hinge for the pivoted movement of the separated portion of the frangible area 24 011cc there is a tear along the side grooves 32b. In. Fig. 10, the frangible area 24 is pivoted downward into the volume below (lie underside surface 30 of the closure assembly 10.

10032] The closure assembly is contemplated to be formed front an olefin material, preferably polypropylene or polyethylene. The material is desirably flexible, so that the flap may be repeatedly pivoted between the opened and closed positions and so that (lie dome member resiliently moves in response to the activation force, The convex formation of the dome is contemplated to create a flex upon inversion to force the contact niemnher into engagement with the franuihie area, 0033 TIle body of the closure is preferably formed of the same or a similar flexible material as the closing flap. The frangible area of the body 15 preferably torn or otherwise separated from the body without cracking or chtpping of the frangible fLap or the surrounding portions of the recess. More rigid materials may result in the breaking ot the materia,.l and pieces may tall Into the storage volume of the container.

10034] The engagement force created by the prQjecting contact member iS preferably located at a relatively weakened porton of the frangible are formed within the body of the closure assembly. The comhnation of the flexng of the dome and the location and movement of tne contact member concentrates the engagement force on the frangible area to start the tearing of the opening flap. If the frangible area is provided without the flap, dome and contact member, it has been tound that openmg a frangible flap s dfflcult and inconsstent. A finger or thumb force is often spread out, permitting the surface to flex rather than initiating a tear. Moreover, the materials may resiliently resist finger (thumb) opening, causing the consumer to use a tool (such as a spool, knife, etc.) to create the opening. The use of a tool may cause excessive force to be applied, resulting in a fraccure or break, pieces falling-into the container, or other negacive consequences.

10035 1 he torm of the grooves and shape ot the trangthle area may he varied as desired. In the present form., the apex of the frangible area creates a natural stress concentration area for the application of the engagement force of the contact lenl)er. Positioning the apex closely adjacent the outer periphery of the closure body, stiffens the material at the]ocation of the apex.

Variations in the form and position of the grooves (tear lines) are possible to create a receiving area for the engagement force. The fonn of the groove (32a) at the base or hing-e end of the frangible flap is contemplated to be transverse to the tearing, of the frangible grooves (32b) to restrict the tearing action and retain the frangible flap connected to the closure body upon opening (Fig. 10).

10036] The dome forms a flexible bubble, preferably creating an accentuated transfer of the actuation fbrce to the contact member for creating the engagement force, The flexing of the dome further creates a visual indication of flexing.

10037] The interaction of the tab on the end of the flap with the latch surface on the peripheral edge of the closure body serves to frictionally retain the closing flap in the closed position. The flap stays within the olane of the top surface during shipment and seals the access opening created by the separated portion of the frangible flap (Fig. 10), 100381 In the drawings and specification, there is set forth one or more embodiments of the invention and. although specific terms are employed, these terms are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Additional structure and variations of those structures shown and described are contemplated and will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon a review of the present disclosure The scope of the invention is set forth by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

(:Iainis 1. A closure for a container comprising: a closure body dimensionally farmed for closing an opening within a container, the closure body having a top surface, the top surface having a recess formed therein; a closing: flap, the closing flap pivotally positioned on the top surface, the nivoting of the flap having an opened position, wherein the flap is pivoted upward from the top surface, and. a closed. positior,wherein the flap is pivoted to overlap the recess and engage with the top surface; a frangible area provided in the recess of the top surface, the closing flap aligned with and overlapping the frangible area jn the closed position of the flap; a flexible dome fbrmed within and projected convexly from an upper surface of the closing flap; and a contact member pnecting from a iower surface of the flap. the contact member aligned with the dome on the flap, the contact member positioned adjacent the frangible area. when the closing flap i-in'ie closed position; wherein the application ofa downward actuation force to the dome, when the closing flap is in the closed posthon, causes a flexing of the dome toward the top surthce within the recess and a corresporidmg engagement force by the contact member on the frangible area within the recess, the engagement force of the contact member causing a teating of the frangible area from the closure body and a separauon of at least a portion of the frangible area, forming an opening in Lhe body.
2. A dos-ore as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closing flap is integrally formed with the closure body.
3 A closure as claimed in claim 2 wherein the closing flap is connected to the closure body by a living hinge.
4. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the closure body comprises an outer peiiphery,
5. A closure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the frangible area includes an apex formed adjacent the outer periphery of the closure body.
6. A closure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the contact member engages the frangible area adjacent the apex.
7. A closure as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the frangible area further comprises a base radially inward of the apex, the base forming a flexing hinge for the frangible area after opening.
8. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the dome is formed within the recess, and projects within the plane of the top surface of the closure body.
9. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the closing flap further comprises an engagement tab for releasably retaining the flap in the closed position.
10. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the closure body ftirther comprises a peripheral skirt projecting from an underside of the body, the skirt dimensioned for engagement with a rim of the container and for fixing the closure body over the container opening.
Ii. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the top suite of the closure body includes a planar top surface and an outer periphery and wherein the flap is pivoted to overlap the recessed surface and engage with the outer periphery.
12. A closure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the frangible area is defined by one or more grooves in the recessed surface, and wherein the grooves define weekend lines within the surface and the grooves form an apex adjacent the outer periphety.-II -13. A closure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the closing flap in the closed position is aligned with the apex of the grooves.14. As closure as substantially herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.