JP2009078864A - Push button flip top with attached second container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem found in a container with a flip top for use in either distribution or utilization of product contained, in the container wherein an additional space for item is substantially restricted by a size at a neck of the container or the additional space must be left in the container. <P>SOLUTION: A flip top comprises a base member fixed to its hard rim, a cover member hinged to the base member and a first catch member. The base member includes a push button having elasticity formed at the base member. When the cover member is set at a closed position with respect to the base member so as to hold the cover member, with respect to the base member, the second catch member acts against the first catch member from each other; and when the push button is depressed, the push button includes the second catch member, in such a way that the first catch member and the second catch member are spaced apart from each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  Flip top containers for dispensing or utilizing products therein are well known. It is also known to deal with containers with additional items to be used with the product if additional items are provided under the flip top and disconnected from the opening. However, some such flip tops do not fix the item in place and are generally limited by the size of the neck of the container. Other flip tops include items that are attached to the inside of the top. As a result, the item extends down the opening in the container and within the body. However, as a result of the item being loosely struck or opened by the product in the container, the room must be left in the container for the item.

  In accordance with the present invention, a container is provided including a container body having a rigid rim and a flip top for the body. The flip top includes a base member attached to the rigid rim of the body and a cover member hinged to the base member and having a first catch member. The base member also includes a push button formed thereon such that the push button is resiliently attached. The push button is configured so that the second catch member interacts with the first catch member when the cover member is in a closed position relative to the base member so as to hold the cover member against the base member. The second catch member is included so that the first and second catch members can be separated from each other when the push button is pressed.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover member includes a skirt portion and an incision portion in the skirt portion, and the first catch member extends from the incision portion. Further, the push button of the base member extends upward from an adjacent portion of the base member. Preferably, the flip top is an integral injection molded plastic.

  In another embodiment, the first catch member is disposed on both sides of the incision, and the second catch member of the push button is disposed on the lateral wings on both sides of the push button extending rearward on both sides. Is done. In addition, the lower end of each wing is disposed adjacent to the upper end of the base member. An elastic coupling is used to interconnect the base member and the push button to attach the elastic upright push button to the base member. When the push button is pushed, the elastic coupling portion passes at least one of the wings in contact with the upper end of the base member due to the elastic movement of the push button, and the first and second catch members are separated from each other. Brings a perceivable sense.

  In one preferred embodiment, the base member includes upstanding legs. When the cover member is in the closed position, the skirt covers the base member and extends around the upstanding legs. The body includes a surrounding non-metallic wall and the rigid rim is a composite material made of rolled metal with the top of the surrounding non-metallic wall. Preferably, the surrounding wall is made of lined cardboard, the surrounding wall has a substantially circular cross section and the cover member is dome shaped.

In the preferred embodiment, the rigid rim includes an inwardly extending flange. then,
The cover member includes an inner seal member that engages the flange either vertically or radially when the cover member is in the closed position. In addition, the base member includes a leg that extends below the outer portion of the rim, and the leg includes a shoulder that is confined under the outer portion of the rim to securely attach the base member to the rim.

  In a preferred embodiment, the container body also contains a powdered beverage mix, preferably a related product of solid coffee. The cover member then includes a second container that contains a second powder additive used with the beverage mix. An attachment means is provided for removably attaching the second container to the inner surface of the cover member. Preferably the rim includes an inner flange and a removable membrane attached to the flange under the second container. The attachment means includes opposing resilient arms extending from the inner surface where the second container is confined and held in place.

  In a more preferred embodiment, an elastic member is provided to bias the cover member away from the closed position.

  In addition, according to the present invention, a container unit is provided, and the container unit is a container body that contains a solid beverage mix, and a second container that contains a solid additive for a beverage made from the solid beverage mix. Including. In addition, the container unit includes an upper part that closes the container main body and is openable to the container main body and removably attaches the second container to the inner surface.

  In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion includes opposing elastic arms extending from the inner surface where the second container is confined and held in place. In addition, the upper portion includes a base member attached to the rigid rim of the container body and a cover member hinged to the base member. The cover member includes a first catch member. The base member is then resiliently attached and includes a second catch member. The second catch member interacts with the first catch member and holds the cover member on the base member when the cover member is in a closed position with respect to the base member. When the push button is pressed, the first and second catch members can be separated from each other.

  In one preferred embodiment, the cover member includes a skirt and an incision in the skirt from which the first catch member extends from the incision. The push button of the base member extends upward from an adjacent portion of the base member. Preferably, the flip top is an integral injection molded plastic.

  In another embodiment, the first catch member is disposed on both sides of the incision, and the second catch member of the push button is on the lateral wings on both sides of the push button extending behind the incision on both sides. Arranged. Further, the lower end of each wing is disposed adjacent to the upper end of the base member. The elastic coupling part connects the base member and the push button to each other in order to attach the elastic upright push button to the base member. When the push button is pressed, the elastic coupling portion passes through at least one of the wings in contact with the upper end of the base member due to the elastic movement of the push button, and indicates the separation between the first and second catch members. Arranged to provide a perceivable sensation.

  In a preferred embodiment, the base member also includes upstanding legs. When the cover member is in the closed position, the skirt covers the base member and extends around the upstanding legs.

  Further, in a preferred embodiment, the body includes an enclosing non-metallic wall. A rigid rim is a composite material made of rolled metal with the top of the surrounding non-metallic wall. Preferably, the surrounding wall is made of lined cardboard, the surrounding wall has a substantially circular cross section and the cover member is dome shaped.

  Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the rigid rim includes an inwardly extending flange. The cover member includes an inner seal member that engages the flange either vertically or radially when the cover member is in the closed position. Further, the base member includes a leg that extends below the outer portion of the rim, and the leg includes a shoulder that is confined under the outer portion of the rim to securely attach the base member to the rim. Further, the rim includes an inner flange and a removable membrane attached to the flange under the second container. The elastic member biases the cover member in the direction away from the closed position.

  It is an advantage of the present invention that a flip top of the container having a rigid rim is provided.

  It is also an advantage of the present invention that a sufficiently large second container can comprise the first container.

  It is a further advantage of the present invention that storage of different products in the first container and the second container is made as a unit.

  It is a further advantage of the present invention that the flip top is attractive and includes a push button that is manipulated to easily release the cover member.

  It is a further advantage of the present invention that a perceptible sensation is provided when the push button is depressed sufficiently to represent the separation of the first and second catch members.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, as described herein and as set forth in more detail below.

  Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like elements in the Figures, a portion of a container unit 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1A. The container unit 10 includes a main body, that is, a first container 12 and a flip top 14. Generally, the first container 12 is then a flavored beverage, preferably a flavor cream added to the coffee to make a cappuccino or the like, or, if desired, cappuccino, coffee, tea with hot water, or Used to contain a first solid product 16 such as a dry powder used to make cocoa. The first container preferably has a composite configuration when containing a powder product or the like. In particular, the first container 12 is formed with a side wall 18 surrounding plastic or lined cardboard (foil paper board). Typically, the side wall 18 is generally cylindrical in cross section. Typically not a straight cylinder, but as is well understood by those skilled in the art, curves, bulges, or indentations in the height direction to aid in gripping and / or for aesthetic reasons Have along. Alternatively, the first container 12 can be made in any other shape, such as rectangular, oval, etc., as is well known in the art, and made of any other material such as plastic. Is also possible. The first container 12 also includes a lower portion, a closed bottom (not shown) and a sealed upper portion 20.

  As described in more detail in FIG. 1B, the sealed top 20 intersects with the top formed on the surrounding side wall 18 and is provided with a metal rim 22 (such as other plastic) that makes this portion relatively stiff. This material can be used as long as the rim is not easily deformed from a circle and is therefore suitable for holding the flip top described below). In this preferred embodiment, the sealed top 20 includes a removable membrane such as a foil seal 21 that is provided to seal the product 16 in the container 10 after manufacture and during shipping and transportation to the consumer. . The foil seal 21 is attached to the flange 23 directed inward in the rim 22 at the periphery thereof. Thus, it can be seen that the flange 23 serves to reinforce the rigidity of the rim 22. As shown in a simplified manner by the broken line in FIG. 4 (the first container 12 is not shown), the flange 23 extends completely around the first container 12. The foil seal 21 is weakly adhered to the flange 23 upon the first use of the first product 16 by tearing, i.e., by breakage or, preferably, as known in the art. It can be removed as appropriate by the consumer by pulling away against the force. When the foil seal 21 is attached by adhesion, the foil seal 21 can be removed via a tab (not shown) or the like. If the removable foil seal 21 is removed, then the first product is easily removed from the body 12 by pouring, such as a spoon, or carefully. The foil seal 21 also preferably includes a one-way valve 25 or the like (shown briefly in FIG. 4) from which any increased pressure is released in the first container 12, as is also well known in the art. .

  The flip top 14 is preferably made of injection molded plastic or the like and is large and includes two parts, a base member 24 and a cover member 26. The base member 24 and cover member 26 are connected together by a butterfly hinge 28 along its adjacent peripheral portion, although a straight hinge can be used if desired. The flip top 14 is shown as a portion in FIGS. 2-4, while the base member 24, cover member 26, and hinge 28 are shown separately in FIGS. 5, 6, 7A-7C, and 8, respectively. Has been. The hinge 28 has a weakened portion 27 so that the cover member 26 can easily rotate between a closed position as shown in FIG. 1A and preferably a fully open position as shown in FIGS. ing. Preferably, the hinge 28 is designed (eg, internally biased) to elastically separate the cover member 26 from the closed position toward the fully open position. The degree and strength required for the opening of the cover member 26 can be as small or large as required and will be determined by the size and design of the hinge 28. This degree and strength allows the user to easily move the cover member 26 to an open position where the product 16 in the first container 12 is readily available and does not have to be in the fully open position. There should be at least enough to be in an intermediate position to stand vertically straight. If necessary, that is, if necessary, a separate elastic component or the like can be added to ensure that the cover member 26 moves to a fully open position. For example, although it is anticipated that the elastic member 29 would not be required in this embodiment, an elastic member 29 that can be used for this purpose and rises straight from the base member 24 is shown in FIG. Yes. When the cover member 26 is in the closed position, the elastic member 29 is elastically bent (overlapped) so that when the elastic member 29 attempts to return to the unbent position, the elastic member is therefore It plays the role of elastically biasing the member 26 back to the open position.

  Cover member 26 is optionally used during shipping and storage to hold and protect the item and the second container by the consumer. Preferably, when a second container 30 is provided, the second container 30 is required if a second product 32 is required, i.e., it can be used separately as needed, but in the first container 12. Contains a second solid product, i.e., additive 32, that is used with the first solid beverage product 16 or designed to be complementary. With respect to coffee where flavor cream mix product 16 is added to form cappuccino, second product 32 may be, for example, chocolate or cinnamon sprinkles or powders, or other flavorings, ie complements as desired. It is. In addition, the cover member 26 mainly functions as an easily rotating cover after the foil seal 21 is removed by the user (as will be described later) in order to easily obtain the first product 16. It will be seen that the first product 16 in the container 12 is sealed.

  A second container 30 is provided and as shown, the second container 30 is rectangular and the cover member 26 attaches the rectangular second container 30 firmly to its inner surface 34. This mounting is accomplished by the use of attachment means that extend inwardly from the inner surface 34 and preferably include a projecting arm 36 formed integrally therewith. The arm 36 includes an enlarged head 38 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 9 and 10. The spacing and vertical length of the arms 36 are designed to elastically capture the second container 30 and hold the second container 30 firmly against the inner surface 34. Preferably, a small raised ledge 40 (as shown in FIG. 9) is provided on the inner surface 34 against which the second container 30 is pressed by the head 38. Further, the plurality of small protrusions 42 stand straight from the inner surface 34 on both sides of the second container 30, and the second container 30 moves extremely to either one during transportation and storage by the user. I can't.

Although not shown in detail, if the second container 30 is removed from between the arms 36, after the first product 16 has been added to it, the coffee or similar beverage described above is added to the second container 30. So that only a small part of the second product 32 can be dispensed,
It will be appreciated that the second container 30 is properly rotated from the closed position and includes a rotating cap 44 and the like. In addition, the rotating cap 44 is preferably designed to be hermetically fixed by one arm 36 when captured between the arms 36, and the second container 30 is attached to the inner surface 34 of the cover member 26. It will be appreciated that while being done, the second product 32 is prevented from being accidentally added to the first product 16. Between uses, the second container 30 is designed to be easily returned to the mounted position between the arms 36 for convenient storage for the user until subsequent use with another coffee is required. Yes.

  An alternative attachment means for holding the second container 30 'against the inner surface 34' of the cover member 26 'is shown in Figs. In this preferred embodiment, the second container 30 ′ is generally cylindrical and includes a circular protruding flange 46. The flange 46 is held under the enlarged head 38 'of the arcuate arm 36' as shown (thus the arm 36 'is shorter than the arm 36). The second container 30 ′ includes a rotating cap 44 ′ having a plurality of protruding pegs that fit into and close the distribution holes 48, and the cap 44 ′ is sealed against being pressed against the inner surface 34 ′. You can see that Also, a similar second container 30 and second container 30 ′ can be returned to the mounted position on the inner surface 34 ′ for storage again after use until the second container 30 ′ is needed again. Designed.

To securely attach the flip top 14 to the rim 22 of the first container 12, the periphery of the base member 24 is specially shaped, as best shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 13. In particular, the base member 24 includes a leg portion 50 that is positioned on the inner surface of the rim 22 above the flange 23 and hangs short, and a leg portion 52 that extends and is positioned below the outer surface of the rim 22 and hangs down. . As described above, in order to hold the base member 24 firmly against the rigid rim 22, the rim 22 has a lower outer end 54 and a long leg 52 fits directly under the outer end 54. Complementary positioned shoulder 56 is included. Thus, when the base member 24 is attached to the rim 22 with a pressure fit, the shoulder 56 is confined under the outer end 54 to hold the base member 24 firmly in place in the first container 12. In addition, the configuration of the base member 24 serves to provide relatively rigidity. As a result, the base member remains firmly on the rigid rim 22 when attached to it.

  As also shown by FIGS. 1A and 13, the base member 24 also includes upstanding legs 58. When the cover member 26 is in the closed position, the skirt 60 on the periphery of the cover member 26 is positioned just outside the upstanding leg 58 and the landing of the base member 24 provided outside the upstanding leg 58 ) 62 is engaged to give a smooth and pleasant appearance. When the cover member 26 is in the closed position (see FIG. 1A), it will be noted that the seal ring 55 hangs from the inner surface 34 so that the seal ring 55 engages the flange 23 of the rigid rim 22. Accordingly, the seal ring 55 may cause the product 16 in the first container 12 to leak beyond the seal ring 55, particularly when the container unit 10 is shaken or dropped after the foil seal 21 is removed. It plays a role in ensuring that there is nothing. Further, the seal ring 55 plays a role of applying force to the cover member 26 during manufacture (installation of the second container, filling of the first container 12 as the last, etc.), and transportation and transportation. The base member 24 is positioned directly above the first container 12. Therefore, after the foil seal 21 is removed by the user, the cover member 26 is provided as a protective seal cover for the first product 16 in the first container 12 and the second container 30 is provided. If so, it will be appreciated that it acts as a holder for the second container 30.

  As best shown in FIGS. 7C, 14 and 15, a holding means 64 is provided to hold the cover member 26 in the closed position on the base member 24 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. It has been. As shown in FIG. 5, the holding means 64 includes a push button 66 that is disposed between the circumferential legs of the upright legs 58 and extends upward beyond the top of the upright legs 58. It is out. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 15, the push button 66 has an acupressure part 67 that is pushed by the user so that the push button 66 is elastically moved slightly inward in the radial direction. This radial movement is possible by using a groove 68 in the material of the base member 24 around the push button 66 when the push button 68 is integrally formed with the base member 24. When the push button 66 is pushed, in other cases, the rigid rim 22 prevents the base member 24 from deflecting inward, so this movement of the push button 66 relative to the rest of the base member 24 is necessary. You will understand. A first catch member 70 is disposed on top of the push button 66, so that when the push button 66 is pushed, the first catch above the remainder of the base member 24 so that sufficient movement is achieved. The arrangement of the member 70 results in the first catch member 70 at a location away from the groove 68. As shown in FIG. 7C, the second catch member 74 is arranged complementarily above the incision 72 in the cover member 26. Both catch members 70 and 74 are longitudinally curved following the respective complementary contours of push button 66 and incision 72, as shown.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the cover member 26 is in the closed position, the first catch member 70 captures and holds the second catch member 74 underneath and swings around the hinge 28 (and / or the spring 29). The cover member 26 is held in the closed position against the opening biasing force. Thus, if the push button 66 is moved inward a short distance, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 15, the second catch member 74 is no longer held under the first catch member 70 and Then, the cover member 26 can be moved upward by the opening biasing force of the hinge 28. Accordingly, the cover member 26 provides access to the first product in the first container 12 and removal of the second container 30 (if provided) from the inner surface 34 of the cover member 26. Therefore, it is rotated upward and released. (Or it can be opened as long as necessary). This movement of the push button 66 relative to the rest of the base member 24 is necessary because when the push button 66 is pushed, the rigid rim 22 otherwise prevents other portions of the base member 24 from flexing inwardly. You will understand that. Also, the arrangement of the first catch member 70 above the remainder of the base member 24 provides its sufficient movement relative to the second catch member 72 to the catch member 70 in place.

  An alternative embodiment of a flip top 80 that can be used with a container similar to the container 12 is illustrated in FIGS. The flip top 80 is very similar to the flip top 14. Accordingly, the same element in the flip top 80 is identified with the same number as the corresponding element in the flip top 14 except for the addition of the prime symbol ('). The flip top 80, similar to the flip top 14, is preferably made of injection molded plastic or the like and is large and includes two parts, a base member 24 'and a cover member 26'. The base member 24 'and the cover member 26' are provided by a simple connecting hinge 28 'having a line of weakness so that the two members 24' and 26 'are sufficiently elastic so that they can rotate relative to each other as desired. Both are connected together. A hinge 28 ', similar to the hinge 28, is designed to elastically move the cover member 26 away from the closed position (eg, internally biased). However, in this embodiment, the cover member 26 'is sufficiently biased to stand up slightly away from the base member 24'. If necessary, that is, if necessary, a separate elastic component or the like can be added together with the hinge 28 in the manner described above. The cover member 26 'in this alternative embodiment is optionally used during shipping and storage to hold and protect small items and a second container by the consumer. Thus, if it is not desired to hold the second container, the arm 36 'can be removed, but any such item can be integrated into the integral central reinforcement by any suitable mechanism, such as the arm 36'. It will be fixed inside the industrial cylindrical band 82. It will be appreciated that the integral radial reinforcing struts 84 are integrally formed with the reinforcing cylindrical band 82, as shown.

The base member 24 'has a specially shaped perimeter to securely attach the flip top 80 to the rim of a container (not shown), as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 13 It acts very similar to the periphery of 24 and therefore does not explain further details.
However, the flange 27 ′ of the base member 24 ′ of the flip top 80 is similar to the flange 57 found on the base member 24, and the corresponding flange 23 ′ (partially shown in FIG. 18) of this container is Similar to the flange 23 of the container 12.
Further, the cover member 26 ′ has a seal ring 55 ′ similar to the seal ring 55. The seal ring 55 ′ is bent slightly outward at its distal end 86. As a result, when the cover member 26 'is moved to the closed position, the distal end 86 moves elastically beyond the inner end of the flange 23' (ie, the circumferential end of this embodiment). And an elastic seal is formed on it. Also, the base member 24, similar to the base member 24, is such that when the cover member 26 'is in the closed position, the peripheral skirt 60' of the cover member 26 'is positioned just outside the upstanding leg 58'; An upstanding leg 58 'is included to engage a landing 62' of the base member 24 'provided outside the upstanding leg 58.

  In order to hold the cover member 26 ′ in the closed position on the base member 24 ′, a holding means 64 ′, which is widely similar to the holding means 64, is provided, as best shown in FIGS. It has been. As shown in FIG. 17, the holding means 64 ′ is arranged in a circumferential gap in the upright leg 58 ′, that is, in a scalloped portion toward the lower side, and an upper portion of the upright leg 58 ′. And includes a push button 66 'extending upward. The push button 66 'is pushed by the user so as to elastically move the push button 66' slightly radially inward. This radial movement is made possible by using an elastic coupling 88 to the material of the base member 24 'below the push button 66'. Therefore, the push button 66 ′ is formed integrally with the base member 24. When the push button 66 'is pushed, this movement in the push button 66' relative to the rest of the base member 24 'is otherwise necessary because the rigid rim of the container prevents the base member 24' from deflecting inwardly. You will understand that.

  Opposing wings 90 extend laterally from the push button 66 '(circumferential in this embodiment where the container is cylindrical). Each wing 90 includes a catch member 70 'that is raised, ie, extends outward. As shown in FIG. 19, the upper surface of each catch member 70 'is inclined, while the lower surface is vertical. A plurality of associated second catch members 74 ′ are disposed adjacent to and complementary to the incision 72 ′ in the cover member 26 ′, and as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 respectively, the inner surface of the skirt portion 60 ′. It is formed so that it may fit in the hollow extended inward. The vertical portions in the raised catch member 70 'and the recessed catch member 74' both ensure two positive fixations, while the ramps catch the catch member beyond the end of the upstanding leg 58 '. 70 'and easy sliding of the catch member 70' into the catch member 74. The ridge / depression configurations in the catch members 70 'and 74' can be reversed, in which case the associated depression slopes and flats in the skirt 60 and wing 90 are opposite in direction. Will understand.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when the cover member 26 ′ is in the closed position, both first catch members 70 ′ capture and hold each second catch member 74 underneath and around the hinge 28 ′. The cover member 26 is held in the closed position against a slight opening biasing force. Accordingly, when the user's finger 89 moves the push button 66 'inwardly by a short distance around the elastic coupling portion 88, as shown by the dotted line of the push button 66' in FIG. If 66 is moved inward a short distance, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 15, the second catch member 74 'is no longer held in the first catch member 70', and then The cover member 26 can be moved upward by the opening biasing force of the hinge 28 '.

  Depending on the position of the coupling portion 88, when the push button 66 'is pushed inward by the user, at least one of the plurality of lower ends 92, typically both will contact or slide, and then in FIG. It will be seen that it passes through the upper end 94 of the upstanding leg 58 'of the base member 24', i.e., as shown by the dotted line. It can be seen that the upper end 94 is widened at the location of the adjacent wing 90 as shown in FIG. 20 to ensure this contact. The movement of the plurality of lower ends 92 passing through the upper end 94 and moving away plays a role that can be perceived by the user, in this case, a sound such as a “click” sound and a click feeling. This sensation is designed to occur to indicate the separation of the first and second catch members 70 ′, 74 ′, so that the user can further press the push button 66 ′ when that sensation is sensed. Knowing that the push is no longer required to release the cover member 26 'from the base member 24'.

  The container 12 is finally provided with a lower part (metal, rim to be rolled) in the manufacturing process, so that the flip top 14 is first before the first product 16 is added through the open lower part of the inverted container unit 10. It will be noted that it is expected to be attached to the other container 12. A filter paper 75 (shown briefly in FIG. 4) covers the one-way valve 25 to protect the relief valve provided in the foil seal 21 (as described above), and the one-way valve 25 is free of powder during filling. The clogging with the first product 16 is prevented. When both the relief valve 25 and the filter paper 75 are attached to the foil seal 21, both are removed if the foil seal 21 is first removed by the user.

  Preferably, the flip top 14 also includes a top exterior rim 76 on the cover member 26. The rim 76 is designed to receive the lower part of another container unit 10 therein. As a result, the rim 76 facilitates stable stacking of the container units 10 as is known in the art.

  Although the present invention has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope and spirit of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of a flip top according to the present invention and a cylindrical container unit having a main container. It is a partial expanded sectional view of the cylindrical container unit shown by the broken line 1B in FIG. 1A. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (along line 2-2 in FIG. 3) of the flip top illustrated in the open position. FIG. 3 is a top view of a flip top of the container unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a flip top of the container unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a base member of a flip top viewed from the direction of an arrow 5 in FIG. 2. It is sectional drawing of the base member of the flip top along the 6-6 line in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flip top cover member taken along line 7A-7A in FIG. 4 with a portion of the sealing ring cut away for clarity. It is sectional drawing of the cover member of the flip top along the 7B-7B line | wire in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the enlarged part of the latch shown by the broken line 7C in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the hinge shown by the broken line 8A in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the hinge along the 8B-8B line | wire in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the flip top illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating the mounting of the second container on the cover member. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the cover member taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flip top similar to the flip top of FIG. 9 with an alternative mount for an alternative second container. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover member taken along line 12-12 in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the enlarged part of the cover member shown by the broken line 13 in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the enlarged part of the cover member shown by the broken line 14 in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the 1st catch member of the push button shown by FIG. 14 which shows a relationship with a 2nd catch member. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a flip top similar to the flip top of FIGS. 1-5 having an alternative push button with perceptible features. It is a front view in the partial cross section of the base member of the flip top shown in FIG. It is a front view in the partial cross section of the base member of the flip top shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a front cross-sectional view of the cover member taken along line 19-19 illustrated in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of FIG. 17 specified by a broken line 20.

Claims (31)

In a container comprising a container body having a rigid rim and a flip top for the body,
The flip top is
A base member attached to the rigid rim of the body;
A cover member hinged to the base member and having a first catch member and a skirt portion having an incision adjacent to the first catch member;
A push button that includes a second catch member and is elastically attached to the remainder of the base member and upright.
When the cover member is in a closed position relative to the base member by a push button that extends into the incision to hold the cover member against the base member, the second catch member is the first catch member Interacts with the catch member of
A container in which the first and second catch members are separable from each other when the push button is pressed. The push button includes a plurality of laterally facing wings extending therefrom,
Each wing includes each of the first catch members,
The container according to claim 1, wherein the cover member includes the second catch member on each side surface of the incision. The lower end of each wing is arranged adjacent to the upper end of the base member,
And a resilient coupling for interconnecting the base member and the push button to attach the resiliently upstanding push button to the base member,
When the push button is pressed, the elastic coupling portion passes at least one of the wings in contact with the upper end of the base member due to elastic movement of the push button, and the first and second 3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the container provides a perceptible sensation representing the separation of the catch member.   The upper end of the base member extends inward and adjacent to the lower end of the wing to help ensure contact with at least one of the lower ends of the wing and provide the sensation. 3. The container according to 3.   The container of claim 1, wherein the flip top is a unitary injection molded plastic. The base member includes upstanding legs;
The container according to claim 5, wherein when the cover member is in the closed position, the skirt portion covers the base member and extends around the upright leg portion. The body includes a surrounding non-metallic wall;
6. A container according to claim 5, wherein the rigid rim is a composite material made of rolled metal with the top of the surrounding non-metallic wall.   8. A container according to claim 7, wherein the surrounding wall is made of lined cardboard, the surrounding wall has a substantially circular cross section, and the cover member is dome shaped. The rigid rim includes an inwardly extending flange;
The container according to claim 1, wherein the cover member includes an inner seal member that engages with the flange when the cover member is in a closed position.   The base member includes a leg that extends below the outer portion of the rim, the leg being confined under the outer portion of the rim to securely attach the base member to the rim. The container according to claim 1. The container body contains a powdered beverage mix;
The cover member includes a second container for containing an additive of a second powder used together with the beverage mix;
The container according to claim 1, further comprising attachment means for detachably attaching the second container to the inner surface of the cover member.   The container of claim 11, wherein the rim includes an inner flange and a removable membrane attached to the flange under the second container.   The container according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member that urges the cover member in a direction away from the closed position. In flip tops mounted on product containers,
A base member securely attached to the container;
A cover member covering the base member, the cover member including an inner surface arranged above the base member and a skirt portion covering the outside of the base member;
A hinge provided between the base member and the cover member, wherein the cover member covers the majority of the base member, and the cover member covers the majority of the base member. A hinge that rotates relative to the base member between an open position and not
Holding means for holding the cover member in the closed position,
The holding means is
An incision in the skirt portion of the cover member, a first catch member disposed adjacent to the incision, and a push button extending upward from the base member and including a second catch member. Then, the first and second catch members are engaged, and the first and second catches are moved from the holding position (a) where the cover member is held in the closed position by the push button extending into the incision. A flip top comprising: a push button, wherein the catch member is released and the cover member is elastically movable to a release position (b) where the cover member is movable to an open position. The push button includes a plurality of wings extending from and facing each other and disposed behind the skirt portion when the cover member is in the closed position;
Each of the wings includes a first catch member,
The container according to claim 14, wherein the skirt member includes the second catch member on each side surface of the incision. The lower end of each wing is arranged directly adjacent to the upper end of the base member,
And a resilient coupling for interconnecting the base member and the push button to attach the resiliently upstanding push button to the base member,
In the elastic coupling portion, when the push button is pushed, due to the elastic movement of the push button, at least one of the wings slides down to the upper end of the base member, and the first and second catch members 16. A container according to claim 15 which provides a perceivable sensation representing the distance between the two. 17. The upper end of the base member extends inward and adjacent to the lower end of the wing to help ensure sliding of at least one of the lower ends of the wing and provide the sensation. Container as described.   The flip top of claim 14, wherein the base member and the cover member are made of an integral injection molded plastic.   The base member includes a leg that extends below an outer portion of the rim of the container, the leg being confined under the outer portion of the rim to securely attach the base member to the rim. The flip top of claim 14, further comprising a shoulder that is formed. The rim includes a peripheral flange extending inwardly;
The flip top of claim 14, wherein the cover member includes an inner seal member that engages the peripheral flange when the cover member is in a closed position. The base member includes upstanding legs;
21. The flip top of claim 20, wherein the skirt portion of the cover member extends around the upstanding leg when the cover member is in the closed position.   The flip top according to claim 14, wherein the base member and the cover member are substantially cylindrical, and the hinges are provided at opposing portions of peripheral ends of the base member and the cover member.   The push button is substantially elliptical, the incision is generally configured to receive a portion of the push button, and the first catch member and the second catch member are mating concavo-convex elements. The flip top according to claim 22.   The flip top according to claim 14, wherein the hinge biases the cover member in a direction away from the closed position.   The flip top of claim 14, wherein the cover member includes an inner seal ring that engages the first container. And a second container for the product complementary to the first mentioned product of the first mentioned container,
The cover member includes a height sufficient to space the inner surface from the container such that the second container is receivable between the container and the inner surface;
A mounting means for removably mounting the second container to the inner surface of the cover member;
15. The flip top of claim 14, wherein when the cover member is in an open position, the second container is made available and removed from the mounting means.   27. The flip top of claim 26, wherein the mounting means includes opposing resilient arms extending from the inner surface in which the second container is confined and held in place. A container body that contains a solid beverage mix;
A second container containing a solid additive for a beverage made from the solid beverage mix;
A container unit comprising: an upper part that closes the container main body and is openable to the container main body, and is detachably mounted on the inner surface of the second container.   29. A container unit according to claim 28, wherein the upper portion includes opposing resilient arms extending from an inner surface in which the second container is confined and held in place.   29. A container unit according to claim 28, wherein the solid beverage mix is a coffee mix and the solid additive is a complementary product and is designed to be added to a beverage made by the coffee mix. The upper part is
A base member attached to a rigid rim of the container body;
The container unit according to claim 28, further comprising a cover member hinged to the base member.

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