JP2016502962A - Cap for supplying liquid or gel - Google Patents

Abstract

A cap for a container for containing and supplying fluid or gel comprising a shroud having a shroud wall surrounding the opening and a collar connected to the shroud, whereby the collar is collared against the shroud A selectively rotating cap is provided. The collar is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. The actuator is connected to the shroud and has a contact portion. The contact is in the shroud opening. The actuator is movable in the closed and open positions by a force applied to the contact only after removing the tab. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an assembly for containing and dispensing a liquid or gel. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cap for supplying a liquid or gel.

  Containers that contain and supply liquids or gels include aerosol containers as is known in the art. The aerosol container holds, for example, a liquid or gel and a propellant, eg, a pressurized liquefied gas propellant product. The propellant forces the product out of the container through a hole in the cap connected to the container when the user actuates the actuator, such as by a push button on the cap to open the valve. Conventional caps undesirably stack product deposits around the holes after use. This deposition is detrimental to the operation of the aerosol container and can therefore lead to clogging of the holes causing hygiene problems.

  Conventional aerosol containers allow access to actuators such as push buttons on the cap in both open and closed positions. Such containers require a device that prevents movement of the push button even when a force is applied to the push button by the user in the closed position. In addition, these containers do not indicate to the user whether the container has been opened on its own before use.

  Thus, it is clear from this disclosure that a cap that minimizes deposition is needed. There is a further need for a cap that minimizes or prevents user access to the actuator in the closed position. There is still a further need for a dispenser cap with an opening indicator that minimizes or prevents user access to the actuator prior to use.

  The present disclosure provides a cap for a container that contains and supplies a fluid or gel. The cap includes a shroud having a shroud wall surrounding the opening, and a collar connected to the shroud such that the collar selectively rotates relative to the shroud. The collar is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. The actuator has a contact portion connected to the shroud and within the shroud opening. The actuator is movable in both the closed position and the open position by a force applied to the contact portion.

  The above-described and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a dispenser cap in an open position and a tab in a connected position. The top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. The rear view of the dispenser cap of FIG. FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1 in an open position and with the tabs removed. The rear view of the dispenser cap of FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 4. FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a dispenser cap similar to the dispenser cap of FIG. 1 in the closed position and with the tabs removed. FIG. 8 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 7. The rear view of the dispenser cap of FIG. The bottom view of the dispenser cap of FIG. The upper surface side perspective view of the actuator of FIG. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 7 in the open position with the tab in the connected position. The bottom side perspective view of the collar part of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1 with a tab in a connection position. The bottom front perspective view of the collar part of FIG. The figure of the partial expansion part of the collar part designated by A in FIG. The back side perspective view of the collar part of FIG. The upper surface side perspective view of the shroud of the dispenser cap of FIG. FIG. 16 is a partial top view of the shroud of FIG. 15. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1 with the collar shown as transparent. The partial side view of FIG. FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1 with the collar shown as transparent and the tab removed. FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 1 with the collar shown as transparent, in the closed position and with the tabs removed. The partial side view of FIG. The side view of the conventional spray assembly. FIG. 2 is a side view of a spray assembly having the dispenser cap of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a top front perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a dispenser cap of the present disclosure in an open position and a tab in a connected position. FIG. 28 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27. The bottom view of the dispenser cap of FIG. FIG. 28 is a side sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is a top front perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27 in the open position and with the tabs removed. FIG. 33 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 32. FIG. 28 is a top front perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27 in the closed position and with the tabs removed. FIG. 36 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 35. FIG. 36 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 35. FIG. 28 is a top front perspective view of the collar portion of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27. FIG. 39 is a top rear perspective view of the collar of FIG. 38. The top view of the collar part of FIG. The bottom view of the collar part of FIG. FIG. 39 is a side cross-sectional view of the collar portion of FIG. 38. FIG. 28 is a top front perspective view of the shroud of the dispenser cap of FIG. 27. FIG. 44 is a top view of the shroud of FIG. 43. FIG. 36 is a top cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 35. FIG. 33 is a top cross-sectional view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is a right side view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 32 with the collar and a portion of the shroud cut away in the open position. FIG. 10 is a top front perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a dispenser cap in an open position and a tab in a connected position. FIG. 49 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 48. FIG. 49 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 48. FIG. 49 is a top front perspective view of the collar portion of the dispenser cap of FIG. 48. FIG. 52 is a top view of the collar of FIG. 51. The bottom view of the collar part of FIG. FIG. 52 is a side cross-sectional view of the collar portion of FIG. 51. FIG. 49 is a top front perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 48 in the open position and with the tabs removed. FIG. 56 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 55. FIG. 56 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 55. FIG. 49 is a top front perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 48 in the closed position and with the tabs removed. FIG. 59 is a top rear perspective view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 58. FIG. 59 is a top view of the dispenser cap of FIG. 58.

  With reference to the drawings, and in particular with reference to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of a dispenser cap according to the present disclosure is shown in an open position and is generally referenced by the reference numeral 10. The dispenser cap 10 includes a collar portion 12, a shroud 14, an actuator 16, and an insert 18. The dispenser cap 10 is connected to a container, such as an aerosol container as is known in the art, to hold a product, such as a liquid or gel, and a propellant, such as a pressurized liquefied gas propellant. Yes. The propellant can be a hydrocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or any other suitable compressed gas. When the dispenser cap 10 is connected to an aerosol container, the user may as indicated by arrow F in FIG. 1 to open a passage for product and / or propellant to pass through the actuator 16 and the insert 18. A force is applied to the actuator 16. For example, a 4.5 pound vertical force is sufficient to depress the actuator 16. The collar 12, shroud 14, actuator 16, and insert 18 are made of plastic, for example polypropylene. Collar 12 and shroud 14 may be polypropylene with an erucamide coating.

  Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the collar 12 has a hole 13 through the collar wall 13a to provide access to the actuator 16 and the insert 18, and is connected to the tab 20 at the connection location. Yes. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 14, the collar portion 12 is connected to the tab 20 at a connection position by one or more connectors 22. The connectors 22 are made of metal and / or dimensioned so that each connector 22 is fragile or can be broken by the user. To break the connector 22 and remove the tab 20 from the collar 12, the user grips the tab 20 and applies force, for example, as shown by arrow A in FIG. The connector 22 is made of a material such as homopolymer polypropylene, for example. The connector 22 may be dimensioned to have, for example, a depth of 0.9 millimeters, a width of 1.30 millimeters, and a length of 1.80 millimeters. In the connected position, tab 20 and connector 22 indicate to the user that dispenser cap 10 is not being used and provide evidence to the user that dispenser cap 10 has not been opened without permission.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the shroud 14 has an opening 28 a surrounded by the shroud wall 25 and a hole 23 penetrating the shroud wall 25. The collar 12 is connected to the shroud 14 such that the shroud 14 has an upper shroud portion 24 on the first side of the collar portion 12 and a bottom shroud portion 26 on the opposite side of the collar portion 12. The shroud 14 has a shape that forms a space 28 between the first side portion 30 and the second side portion 32.

  As shown by arrow B in FIG. 2, the collar 12 is connected to the shroud 14 so that the collar 12 can rotate relative to the shroud 14. In the connected position, the tab 20 fits between the first side 30 and the second side 32 of the upper shroud portion 24 of the shroud 14 to minimize or prevent rotation of the collar 12 relative to the shroud 14. And has an upper tab portion 34 dimensioned in this manner.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the upper tab portion 34 and the upper shroud portion 24 minimize or prevent a force from being applied to the actuator 16 as indicated by arrow F in FIG. Dimensioned to minimize or prevent user access to the actuator 16 between the upper tab portion 34 and the upper shroud portion 24 to prevent the contents of the connected container from being supplied. . The upper tab portion 34 is about 30% of the size of the opening 28a.

  4 to 6, when the tab 20 is removed, the collar wall 13 a forms a space 31 between the first collar portion 33 and the second collar portion 35. The space 31 may be U-shaped. The space 31 is aligned with the space 28 in the shroud 14 such that the space 31 and the space 28 allow better access to the actuator 16 (“open position”). Thus, for example, the force indicated by arrow F in FIG. 1 can be applied to the actuator 16 to supply the contents of a container connected to the dispenser cap 10. The user's finger can extend through the space 31 in the collar 12 and the space 28 in the shroud 14 to contact the actuator 16. When the tab 20 is removed, the collar 12 can rotate relative to the shroud 14, as shown by arrows B in FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 7, a dispenser cap 10a is shown that is similar to the dispenser cap 10, but some of the dimensions and colors are different from the dispenser cap. Features of the dispenser cap 10a that are the same as the dispenser cap 10 are identified by the same reference numerals. The dispenser cap 10a has the tab 20 removed and the collar 12 is rotated as indicated by arrow B in FIGS. 2 and 6, thereby causing the hole 13 in the collar 12 to be shown in FIG. Move to position. In this position, the hole 13 in the collar 12 and the hole 23 in the shroud 14 are no longer aligned, and the collar 12 covers the hole 23 in the shroud 14. This is the closed position. Referring to FIG. 9, the space 31 of the collar 12 is moved by the rotation of the collar 12, so that in this closed position, the space 31 of the collar 12 is no longer aligned with the space 28 of the shroud 14. The user's finger can no longer extend through the space 31 in the collar 12 and the space 28 in the shroud 14 to contact the actuator 16.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the collar 12 has a shape that decreases in size from the lower edge 12a to the upper edge 12b. Minimizing or preventing a user's finger from accessing the actuator 16 between the upper edge 12b of the collar 12 and the shroud 14 to apply force to the actuator 16 as shown by arrow F in FIG. Thus, the upper edge 12b of the collar portion 12 covers a part of the space 28 above the actuator 16 in the closed position.

  Referring to FIGS. 9a-10, the actuator 16 has a contact portion 36 in the opening 28a. The contact portion 36 is connected to the connection portion 38. Referring to FIG. 10, the first end 40 of the connection 38 connects to a container connected to the dispenser cap 10, for example, the connection 38 receives propellant and / or product supplied from the container. Connected to the tube. The second end 42 of the connection 38 is connected to the first end 46 of the conduit 44. The first end 46 of the conduit 44 is also connected to the contact 36. The conduit 44 has a second end 48 that connects to the insert 50.

  Referring to FIG. 9 a, the insertion part 50 is connected to protrusions 50 a and 50 b on both sides of the insertion part 50. The protrusions 50a and 50b are fitted into one of the holders 51 and 53 connected to the shroud 14, respectively. The holders 51 and 53 are C-shaped so that each has an opening. The protrusions 50a and 50b and / or the holders 51 and 53 are acceptable so that the protrusions 50a and 50b fit through one opening of the holders 51 and 53, respectively, and are held therein by a snap fit. It can be flexible. The protrusions 50a and 50b allow the force to be applied to the contact part 36 as shown by the arrow F in FIG. 1 in order to move the contact part 36 while maintaining the connection between the holders 51 and 53. Portions 50a and 50b and holders 51 and 53 form a cantilever connection between shroud 14 and actuator 16 as shown by arrow F in FIG. The actuator 16 moves in the opposite direction to the force as shown by arrow F in FIG. 1 when the force is no longer being applied to the actuator 16 as shown by arrow F in FIG. Is flexible so that it returns to its initial position prior to being added.

  The insert 50 receives the insert 18 therein. The conduit 44 connects the connection 38 to the insert 50 so that fluid can flow out of the dispenser cap 10 from the connection 38 through the conduit 44, through the insert 50, and through the insert 18. As described above, to open a passage for the product and / or propellant to pass through the actuator 16 and the insert 18, the user may force the actuator 16 as shown by arrow F in FIG. Add Referring to FIG. 10 a, the dispenser cap 10 a is connected to the aerosol container 200.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the collar 12 has a protrusion 52 on its inner surface 54. The protruding portion 52 is an adjacent lower edge 12 a and is continuous around the outer periphery of the collar portion 12. Alternatively, although less preferred, the protrusion 52 may be discontinuous. The collar 12 has a ridge 56 on the outer surface 58. The ridge 56 can assist the user in gripping while the collar 12 is rotating.

  Referring to FIGS. 12 to 13, the inner surface 54 has a collar rib 60. The collar rib 60 protrudes from the inner surface 54. The collar rib 60 extends in the direction from the upper edge 12b of the collar 12 to the lower edge 12a. The collar rib 60 has a tip 61 that is flexible. The collar 12 can have a collar rib 60 formed on the inner surface 54.

  With reference to FIGS. 15-16, the shroud 14 has an intermediate shroud portion 62 between the upper shroud portion 24 and the bottom shroud portion 26. The intermediate shroud portion 62 has an outer surface 64 that forms a recess 66. The recess 66 has a first side wall 66a, a second side wall 66b, and a bottom wall 66c between the first side wall 66a and the second side wall 66b. The intermediate shroud portion 62 has a first shroud rib 68 and a second shroud rib 70 in the recess 66. The first shroud rib 68 and the second shroud rib 70 can be rigid. The first shroud rib 68 and the second shroud rib 70 may be molded into the recess 66. The outer surface 64 of the intermediate shroud portion 62 forms a groove 72. The groove 72 is adjacent to the bottom shroud portion 26. As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the groove 72 is sized and formed to receive the protrusion 52 of the collar 12.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the collar portion 12 is connected to the shroud 14 by disposing the protruding portion 52 of the collar portion 12 in the groove 72 of the shroud 14. This connection can be, for example, a snap fit. The groove 72 and the protrusion 52 allow the collar 12 to rotate relative to the shroud 14. The groove 77 and the protrusion 52 hold the collar portion 12 connected to the shroud 14. Collar 12 and shroud 14 include, for example, 4 grams of erucamide slip additive per kilogram of polypropylene that allows easy rotation of collar 12 without affecting the retention of collar 12 on shroud 14. Including.

  With reference to FIGS. 18-19, the collar 12 is connected to the shroud 14 such that the collar rib 60 extends into a recess 66 formed by the outer surface 64 of the shroud 14. During rotation, the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 contacts the first shroud rib 68 and / or the second shroud rib 70, causing the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 and / or the collar 12 to deform and the collar portion. The collar rib 60 extends into the recess 66 to allow the tip 61 of the rib 60 to pass around each of the first shroud rib 68 and the second shroud rib 70. The collar rib 60 and the tip 61 can be made of a material such as homopolymer polypropylene, for example. Contact between the tips 61 of the collar ribs 60 and each of the first shroud ribs 68 and the second shroud ribs 70 generates audible noise or “clicks”.

  Referring to FIGS. 20-21, when the tab 20 is in the connected position, the dispenser cap 10 is in the open position. When the dispenser cap 10 is in the open position, the collar rib 60 is between the second shroud rib 70 and the second side wall 66b of the recess 66 formed in the shroud 14. The upper tab portion 34 and the upper shroud portion 24 minimize or prevent user access to the actuator 16 between the upper tab portion 34 and the upper shroud portion 24 so that the dispenser cap when the tab 20 is connected. 10 is dimensioned to minimize or prevent force from being applied to the contact 36 of the actuator 16 which will supply the contents of the container connected to 10 as indicated by arrow F. To break the connector 22 and remove the tab 20 from the collar 12, the user grips the tab 20 and applies a force, for example as indicated by arrow A. The tab 20 has an indicator 34 a that indicates to the user the direction in which force is applied to the tab 20 to remove the tab 20. For example, a “cut-off portion” is formed in the tab portion 34 with an arrow in direction A.

  Referring to FIG. 22, when the tab 20 is removed, the user's finger is actuated so that a force is applied as shown by arrow F to supply the contents of the container connected to the dispenser cap 10. 16 can extend through a space 31 in the collar 12 and a space 28 in the shroud 14 so as to contact 16. The dispenser cap 10 is maintained in the open position until a predetermined force is applied to move the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 so as to pass around the second shroud rib 70.

  When the tab 20 is removed, the collar 12 can be rotated relative to the shroud 14 as indicated by arrow B by applying a predetermined force. The shroud 14 has an indicator 15 that indicates to the user the direction in which the collar 12 is rotated to move to the closed position, for example, a “close” along with an arrow is molded into the upper shroud portion 24. When the collar portion 12 is rotated, for example, about 60 degrees, the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 moves to the closed position as shown in FIGS. Pass over each of the shroud ribs 70. Contact between the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 and each of the first shroud rib 68 and the second shroud rib 70 generates two audible noises or “clicks”. The first of the two clicks is generated when the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 is moved from the open position, and then the second click is when the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 is in the closed position. Generated when moved to. In the closed position, the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 is between the first shroud rib 68 and the first side wall 66 a of the recess 66. The dispenser cap 10 is maintained in the closed position until a predetermined force is applied to move the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 to pass around the first shroud rib 68. The upper edge 12b of the collar 12 covers a part of the contact portion 36, and the space 31 of the collar 12 is moved by the rotation of the collar 12, so that the space 31 of the collar 12 is no longer in the closed position. It is not aligned with the space 28. Access to the actuator 16 causes the collar 12 to prevent access to the actuator 16 and cover or hide the hole 23 in the shroud 14, so that the force indicated by the arrow F to supply the contents of the container is used by the user. Is prevented or minimized in the closed position so that cannot be added. However, the contact portion 36 can move in the closed position. The collar wall 13a can contact the shroud wall 25 surrounding the hole 23 in the closed position.

  The collar 12 can rotate relative to the shroud 14 as indicated by arrow C in FIG. When the collar 12 is rotated about 60 degrees, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, each of the first rib shroud 68 and the second shroud rib 70 is moved to move the collar rib 60 to the open position. Pass around. The shroud 14 has an indicator 17 that indicates to the user the direction in which the collar 12 is rotated to move it to the open position, for example, the arrow “OPEN” is molded into the intermediate shroud 62. . Contact between the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 and each of the first shroud rib 68 and the second shroud rib 70 generates two audible noises or “clicks”. The first of the two clicks is generated when the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 is moved from the closed position, and then the second click is when the tip 61 of the collar rib 60 is in the open position. Generated when moved to. When the tab 20 is removed, the dispenser cap 10 can be selectively moved to / from the open and closed positions as desired by the user. The collar rib 60 rotates between the first side wall 66a and the second side wall 66b of the recess 66 so that the first side wall 66a and the second side wall 66b restrict the rotation of the collar rib 60. .

  Referring to FIG. 25, a conventional gel dispenser is shown. After use, there is a gel deposit. In contrast, FIG. 26 shows a dispenser assembly that includes the dispenser cap 10. After use, in contrast to FIG. 25, there is no gel deposit on the dispenser cap 10 or it is hidden from view by the collar 12 covering the aperture 23 of the shroud 14. Advantageously, the dispenser cap 10 minimizes or prevents undesired deposition, and prevents access to the actuator 16 in the closed position or prior to use, thereby preventing the contents of the container connected to the dispenser cap 10. Minimize or prevent supply.

  With reference to FIG. 27, a second exemplary embodiment of a dispenser cap according to the present disclosure is shown in an open position and is generally referenced by reference numeral 210. The dispenser cap 210 has a collar 212, a shroud 214, an actuator 216, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, and an insert 218, as shown in FIG. As described above for the dispenser cap 10, the dispenser cap 210 is connected to a container, such as an aerosol container. Collar 212, shroud 214, actuator 216, and insert 218 are made of plastic, such as polypropylene. Collar 212 and shroud 214 can be polypropylene with an erucamide coating.

  27-29, the collar 212 has a hole 213 through the collar wall 213a to provide access to the actuator 216 and insert 218 and is connected to the tab 220 at the connection location. Yes. As shown in FIG. 28, the collar 212 is connected to the tab 220 at the connection position by one or more connectors 222. The connectors 222 are made and / or dimensioned of a material so that each connector 222 is fragile or can be broken by a user. As shown by arrow A2 in FIG. 27, to break the connector 222 and remove the tab 220 from the collar 212, the user grips the tab 220 and applies force, for example. The connector 222 is made of a material such as homopolymer polypropylene. Connector 222 may be dimensioned such that connector 22 has a depth of 0.9 millimeters, a width of 1.30 millimeters, and a length of 1.80 millimeters, for example. In the connected position, tab 220 and connector 222 indicate to the user that dispenser cap 210 is not being used and provide evidence to the user that dispenser cap 210 has not been opened without permission.

  Referring again to FIG. 27, the shroud 214 has an opening 228 a surrounded by the shroud wall 225 and a hole 223 that passes through the shroud wall 225. The collar 212 is connected to the shroud 214 such that the shroud 214 has an upper shroud 224 on the first side of the collar 212 and a bottom shroud 226 on the opposite side of the collar 212. The shroud 214 has a shape that forms a space 228 between the first side portion 230 and the second side portion 232.

  Collar 212 is connected to shroud 214 such that collar 212 can rotate relative to shroud 214 as indicated by arrow B2. In the connected position, the tab 220 fits between the first side 230 and the second side 232 of the upper shroud 224 of the shroud 214 to minimize or prevent rotation of the collar 212 relative to the shroud 214. And has an upper tab portion 234 that is dimensioned to be The upper tab portion 234 is between 20 and 100 percent of the size of the opening 228a, and most preferably 75 to 95 percent of the size of the opening 228a.

  Referring to FIGS. 29 and 31, the upper tab portion 234 and the upper shroud portion 224 minimize or prevent force from being applied to the actuator 216 as indicated by arrow F2 in FIG. Dimensioned to minimize or prevent user access to the actuator 216 between the upper tab portion 234 and the upper shroud portion 224 to prevent the contents of the container connected to the dispenser cap 210 from being sprayed. It has been decided. For example, a 4.5 pound vertical force is sufficient to depress the actuator 216. The shroud has two or more protrusions 277 that support the lower surface of the upper tab portion 234 and minimize or prevent the upper tab portion 234 from being depressed. The upper shroud portion 224 has a recess 275 that provides a space 276 between the upper shroud portion 224 and the upper tab portion 234. The upper tab portion 234 includes a flat portion 263 that connects to the side tab portion 221 and a protruding portion 265 that protrudes away from the side tab portion 221 and is the free end of the tab 220, as shown in FIG. Have The user inserts a finger into the space 276 to apply force to break the connector 222 and remove the tab 220 from the collar 212, for example, as shown by arrow A2. The user applies force to the user's finger under the protruding portion 265 of the upper tab portion 234 while applying force, for example, as shown by arrow A2, to break the connector 222 and remove the tab 220 from the collar 212. Some can also be placed. The recess 275 allows the contact portion 236 of the actuator 216 to be completely covered by the upper tab portion 234 to prevent access to the contact portion 236 before removing the tab 220.

  Referring to FIGS. 32 to 34, when the tab 220 is removed, the collar wall 213 a forms a space 231 between the first collar 233 and the second collar 235. The space 231 may be U-shaped. Space 231 is aligned with space 228 in shroud 214 such that space 231 and space 228 allow better access to actuator 216 (“open position”). Accordingly, the force shown by arrow F in FIG. 32 may be applied to the actuator 216 to supply the contents of the container connected to the dispenser cap 210. For example, the user's finger can extend through the space 231 in the collar 212 and the space 228 in the shroud 214 to contact the actuator 216. When the tab 220 is removed, the collar 212 can rotate relative to the shroud 214 as indicated by arrow B2. When the dispenser cap 210 is connected to the aerosol container, to open a passage for the product and / or propellant to pass through the actuator 216 and insert 218, the user is shown by arrow F2 in FIG. Force is applied to the actuator 216.

  35-37, the dispenser cap 210 has a tab 220 (not shown) removed, as shown by arrow B2 in FIGS. To move the hole 213 of the collar 212 to a position as shown in FIGS. In this position, the hole 213 in the collar 212 and the hole 223 in the shroud 214 are no longer aligned, and the collar 212 covers the hole 223 in the shroud 214. This is the closed position. The space 231 of the collar 212 is moved by the rotation of the collar 212, so that the space 231 of the collar 212 is no longer aligned with the space 228 of the shroud 214 in this closed position. The user's finger can no longer extend through the space 231 in the collar 212 and the space 228 in the shroud 214 to contact the actuator 216.

  The collar portion 212 has a shape whose size decreases from the lower edge 212a to the upper edge 212b. 36 to minimize or prevent the user's finger from accessing the actuator 216 between the upper edge 212b of the collar 212 and the shroud 214 to apply force to the actuator 216 as indicated by arrow F2 in FIG. Thus, the upper edge 212b of the collar portion 212 covers a part of the space 228 above the actuator 216 in the closed position.

  Referring to FIG. 30, the actuator 216 is the same as the actuator 16 and has a contact portion 236 located in the opening 228a. The contact part 236 is connected to the connection part 238. The first end 240 of the connection 238 connects to a container connected to the dispenser cap 210, for example, the connection 238 connects to a tube that receives propellant and / or product supplied from the container. . The second end 242 of the connection 238 is connected to the first end 246 of the conduit 244. The first end 246 of the conduit 244 is also connected to the contact 236. Conduit 244 has a second end 248 that connects to insert 250.

  The insertion part 250 is connected to the protrusions 250 a and 250 b on both sides of the insertion part 250. The protrusions 250a and 250b are fitted into one of the holders 251 and 253 connected to the shroud 214, respectively. The holders 251 and 253 are C-shaped so that each has an opening. The protrusions 250a and 250b and / or the holders 251 and 253 are allowed so that the protrusions 250a and 250b fit through one opening of the holders 251 and 253, respectively, and are held therein by a snap fit. It can be flexible. In order for the protrusions 250a and 250b to move the contact portion 236 while maintaining the connection between the holders 251 and 253, the protrusion can be applied so that a force can be applied to the contact portion 236 as shown by arrow F2 in FIG. Portions 250 a and 250 b and holders 251 and 253 form a cantilever connection between shroud 214 and actuator 216. When the actuator 216 is no longer applied to the actuator 216 as shown by arrow F2 in FIG. 32, the actuator 216 moves in the opposite direction as shown by arrow F2 in FIG. Is flexible so that it returns to its initial position prior to being added.

  Insert 250 receives insert 218 therein. Conduit 244 connects connection 238 to insert 250 so that fluid can flow out of dispenser cap 210 out of connection 238, through conduit 244, through insert 250, and through insert 218. As described above, to open a passage for the product and / or propellant to pass through the actuator 216 and the insert 218, the user applies force to the actuator 216 as shown by arrow F2 in FIG. Add The dispenser cap 210 is connected to the same aerosol container as the dispenser cap 10a.

  Referring to FIGS. 38-42, the collar 212 has a protrusion 252 on its inner surface 254. The protruding portion 252 is an adjacent lower edge 212 a and is continuous around the outer periphery of the collar portion 212. Alternatively, although less preferred, the protrusion 252 may be discontinuous. The collar 212 has a ridge 256 on the outer surface 258. The ridge 56 can assist the user in gripping while the collar 212 is rotating.

  With reference to FIGS. 41-42, the inner surface 254 has a collar rib 260. The collar rib 260 protrudes from the inner surface 254. The collar rib 260 extends in the direction from the upper edge 212b of the collar 212 to the lower edge 212a. The collar rib 260 provides a stop for preventing the collar 212 from rotating, and makes the flexible rib 260a hard. The collar 212 can have a collar rib 260 formed on the inner surface 254. The flexible rib 260a is flexible and deflects during rotation, producing a “click” sound, ie an audible sound.

  43-44, the shroud 214 has an intermediate shroud portion 262 between the top shroud portion 224 and the bottom shroud portion 226. The intermediate shroud portion 262 has an outer surface 264 that forms a recess 266. The recess 266 has a first side wall 266a, a second side wall 266b, and a bottom wall 266c between the first side wall 266a and the second side wall 266b. The intermediate shroud portion 262 has a post 267 that is a single rib within the recess 266. The post 267 can be rigid. Post 267 may be molded into recess 266. The outer surface 264 of the intermediate shroud portion 262 forms a groove 272. The groove 272 is adjacent to the bottom shroud portion 226. The groove 272 is sized and shaped to receive the protrusion 252 of the collar 212.

  Referring to FIG. 44, the shroud 214 has an inner wall 273 that surrounds the opening 228a. The inner wall 273 has a protrusion 277. The protrusion 277 supports the upper tab portion 234 when the tab 220 is in the connection position. The protrusion 277 increases the resistance of the upper tab portion 234 to be deflected by the load, and in particular, increases the upper load strength of the upper tab portion 234.

  Referring to FIG. 31, the collar 212 is connected to the shroud 214 by disposing the protrusion 252 of the collar 212 in the groove 272 of the shroud 214. This connection can be, for example, a snap fit. The groove 272 and the protrusion 252 allow the collar 212 to rotate relative to the shroud 214. The groove 272 and the protrusion 252 maintain the collar 212 connected to the shroud 214. Collar 212 and shroud 214 include, for example, 4 grams of erucamide slip additive per kilogram of polypropylene that allows easy rotation of collar 212 without affecting the retention of collar 212 on shroud 214. Including.

  45-47, the collar 212 is connected to the shroud 214 such that the flexible ribs 260a extend into the indentations 266 formed by the outer surface 264 of the shroud 214. The flexible ribs 260a are such that a portion of the flexible ribs 260a contacts the post 267 during rotation, causing the flexible ribs 260a and / or the collar 212 to be deformed, and the flexible ribs 260a around the post 267. Extending into the indentation 266 to allow it to pass through. The flexible rib 260a can be made of a material such as homopolymer polypropylene, for example. Contact between the flexible ribs 260a and the post 267 generates audible noise or "clicks".

  Referring to FIG. 46, when the tab 220 is in the connected position, the dispenser cap 210 is in the open position. When the dispenser cap 210 is in the open position, the flexible rib 260 a is between the post 267 and the second sidewall 266 b of the recess 266 formed in the shroud 214. The upper tab portion 234 and the upper shroud portion 224 minimize or prevent user access to the actuator 216 between the upper tab portion 234 and the upper shroud portion 224 so that when the tab 220 is connected, the dispenser cap It is dimensioned to minimize or prevent force from being applied to the contact 236 of the actuator 216 that will supply the contents of the container connected to 210 as indicated by arrow F2. To break the connector 222 and remove the tab 220 from the collar 212, the user grips the tab 220 by inserting a finger into the space 276 and applies force, for example, as indicated by arrow A2.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the tab 220 has an indicator 234a that indicates to the user the direction in which the force is applied to the tab 220 to remove the tab 220, for example, the arrow “Cut” in the direction A2 Molded into portion 234.

  Referring back to FIG. 33, when the tab 220 is removed, the user's finger is applied with force as shown by arrow F2 to spray the contents of the container connected to the dispenser cap 210. Can extend through the space 231 in the collar 212 and the space 228 in the shroud 214 to contact the actuator 216. The dispenser cap 210 is maintained in the open position until a predetermined force is applied that is sufficient to move the flexible rib 260 to pass around the post 267.

  When the tab 220 is removed, the collar 212 can rotate relative to the shroud 214 as indicated by arrow B2 by applying a predetermined force. The shroud 214 has an indicator 215 that indicates to the user the direction in which the collar 212 is rotated to move to the closed position, for example, a “close” along with an arrow is molded into the upper shroud portion 224. When the collar 212 is rotated, for example, approximately 60 degrees, the flexible rib 260a passes around the post 267 to move to the closed position as shown in FIGS. Contact between the flexible ribs 260a and the post 267 generates audible noise or "clicks". The flexible rib 260a causes the post by generating noise that indicates a single distinct click position each time the rotation of the collar 212 in either direction moves the flexible rib 260a beyond the post 267. Interact with H.267. As shown in FIG. 45, in the closed position, the flexible rib 260a is between the post 267 and the first sidewall 266a of the recess 266. The dispenser cap 10 is maintained in the closed position until a predetermined force is applied to move the flexible rib 260a to pass around the post 267. The upper edge 212b of the collar portion 212 covers a part of the contact portion 236, and the space 231 of the collar portion 212 is moved after the rotation of the collar portion 212, so that the space 231 of the collar portion 212 is shroud 214 in the closed position. Is no longer aligned with the space 228. Access to the actuator 216 is indicated by the arrow F2 to supply the contents of the container when the collar 212 prevents access to the actuator 216 and covers or hides the hole 223 in the shroud 214. Force is prevented or minimized in the closed position so that the user cannot apply force. However, the contact portion 236 can move in the closed position. The collar wall 213a can contact the shroud wall 225 surrounding the hole 223 in the closed position.

  Collar 212 can rotate relative to shroud 214 as shown by arrow C2 in FIGS. When the collar 212 is rotated, for example, approximately 60 degrees, the flexible rib 260a passes around the post to move to the open position as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 35, the shroud 214 has an indicator 217 that indicates to the user the direction in which the collar 212 is rotated to move to the open position, for example, “OPEN” along with an arrow is intermediate The shroud portion 262 is molded. Contact between the flexible ribs 260a and the post 267 generates audible noise or "clicks". The flexible rib 260a interacts with the post 267 by generating noise indicative of a single outstanding click position as the flexible rib 260a crosses the post 267. When the tab 220 is removed, the dispenser cap 210 can be selectively moved to / from the open and closed positions as desired by the user. The flexible rib 260a includes a first side wall 266a and a second side wall of the recess 266 such that the first side wall 266a and the second side wall 266b regulate the rotation of the flexible rib 260a and the collar portion 212. 266b.

  With reference to FIGS. 48-50, a third exemplary embodiment of a dispenser cap according to the present disclosure is shown in an open position and is generally referenced by reference numeral 310. The dispenser cap 310 is the same as the dispenser cap 210, but the dispenser cap 310 has a collar 312 that is different from the collar 212. The collar 312 is the same as the collar 212 except that the collar 312 has an upper collar portion 380 instead of the upper edge 212b. Accordingly, the same reference numbers from the dispenser cap 210 are used for the dispenser cap 310 for the same feature.

  Upper collar portion 380 has a wall 382. The upper collar wall 382 has a recess 384. The wall 382 and the recess 384 of the upper collar portion 380 have a complementary shape to the upper shroud portion 224.

  With reference to FIGS. 51-54, the wall 382 of the upper collar portion 380 has an outer surface 385 and an inner surface 386. The outer surface 385 of the upper collar portion has an indicator 315 to indicate to the user the direction to rotate the collar 312 to move to the closed position, for example, “closed” along with an arrow molded into the upper collar portion 380. Is done.

  As shown in FIGS. 48-50 and 55-57, the upper collar portion 380 covers the upper shroud portion 224 in the open position.

  As shown in FIGS. 58-60, the upper collar portion 380 is positioned between the upper collar portion 380 and the shroud 214 to apply force to the actuator 216 as indicated by arrow F2 in FIG. To minimize or prevent a finger from accessing the actuator 216, a portion of the space 228 above the actuator 216 is covered in the closed position. The hole 213 is disposed on the recess 266 in the closed position.

  A dispenser assembly that includes caps 210 and 310 reduces gel deposition on the dispenser caps 210 and 310, or, in contrast to FIG. 25, or any deposition of gel covers the collar 223 in the shroud 214. 212 and 312 are hidden from view. Advantageously, the dispenser caps 210 and 310 are connected to the dispenser caps 210 and 310 while minimizing or preventing undesired deposition by preventing access to the actuator 216 in the closed position or prior to use. Minimize or prevent the supply of the contents of open containers.

  The dispenser caps 10, 210, and 310 prevent tabs 20 and 220 from spraying in the store by consumers or users. Dispenser caps 10, 210, and 310 are used by tabs 20 and 220 and collars 12, 212, and 312 to prevent access to actuators 16 and 216 and to cover or hide holes 23 and 223 in shrouds 14 and 214 Prevent unintended operation by the user.

  The dispenser cap 10 has an actuator 16 and the dispenser caps 210 and 310 have an actuator 216 that is movable in both an open position and a closed position. This feature allows the use of existing actuators with these dispenser caps. Further, dispenser caps 10, 210, and 310 do not require a mechanism to prevent movement of actuators 16 and 216, respectively, and these dispensers exceed prior art dispenser caps that prevent actuator movement in a non-use position. Increase the ease of manufacturing and assembly of the cap. Enhanced ergonomics is also provided by the position of the actuator 16 recessed in the shroud 14 and the position of the actuator 216 recessed in the shroud 214. If the user does not want to make an effort to move the collars 12, 212, and 312, the actuators 16 and 216 are always depressed.

  It is also possible that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “top”, “bottom”, etc. may be used herein to modify various elements. Please keep in mind. Unless otherwise noted, these modifiers do not imply spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order with respect to the modified elements.

  While this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and equivalents may be used in place of those elements. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this can be done. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated, and this disclosure is intended to encompass all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. .

Claims (23)

A cap for a container containing and supplying fluid or gel, said cap comprising:
A shroud having a shroud wall surrounding the opening;
A collar connected to the shroud, whereby the collar selectively rotates relative to the shroud, the collar being rotatable between a closed position and an open position; Connected collars,
An actuator connected to the shroud and having a contact portion, the contact portion being in an opening of the shroud, wherein the actuator is in both the closed position and the open position by a force applied to the contact portion. An actuator connected to the shroud and having a contact portion that is movable;
Comprising
Cap for containers that contain and supply fluid or gel.   The cap of claim 1, wherein the collar has an upper edge opposite the lower edge, and the collar is reduced in size from the lower edge to the upper edge.   The cap of claim 2, wherein the shroud wall partially surrounds the contact portion.   The cap according to claim 3, wherein the upper edge of the collar portion covers a part of the contact portion in the closed position.   The cap according to claim 4, wherein the upper edge of the collar portion does not cover a part of the contact portion in the open position.   The cap of claim 1, wherein the shroud wall has an outer surface forming a recess, wherein at least a first shroud rib is in the recess.   The cap of claim 6, wherein the collar has an inner surface, wherein the collar rib protrudes from the inner surface. The collar is connected to the shroud, such that the collar rib extends into the recess formed by the outer surface of the shroud;
The collar rib extends into the recess so that a portion of the collar rib deforms the collar rib and / or the collar during rotation of the collar. The cap of claim 7, wherein the collar rib passes around the first shroud rib.   The cap of claim 8, wherein the contact between the collar rib and the first shroud rib generates audible noise.   The cap of claim 1, wherein the collar has a collar wall that forms a collar space between the first collar portion and the second collar portion.   The shroud has a shape forming a shroud space between a first side and a second side, and the collar space is aligned with the shroud space in the open position, and the collar wall The cap of claim 10, wherein at least a portion covers at least a portion of the shroud space in the closed position.   The collar is connected to a tab in the collar space at a connection location, the tab being connected to the first side of the shroud and the second to prevent rotation of the collar relative to the shroud. 12. The cap of claim 11 having an upper tab portion dimensioned to fit between the sides of the cap.   11. The cap of claim 10, wherein the collar is connected to a tab in the collar space at a connection location, the tab having an upper tab portion that covers at least a portion of the actuator.   The collar has the collar wall having a collar hole penetrating the collar wall, the shroud has a shroud hole penetrating the shroud wall, and the collar hole and the shroud hole are The cap of claim 1, wherein the cap is aligned in the open position.   The collar has the collar wall having a collar hole penetrating the collar wall, the shroud has a shroud hole penetrating the shroud wall, and the collar wall is in the closed position when the collar wall is in the closed position. The cap of claim 1 covering the shroud hole.   The cap of claim 15, wherein the collar wall contacts the shroud wall surrounding the shroud hole in a closed position.   The cap of claim 13, wherein the upper tab portion covers 75 to 95 percent of the opening in the shroud.   The upper tab portion has a recess, the recess and the shroud forming a space between them accessible by a user's finger to apply pressure to the tab for removal. Cap as described in.   The cap according to claim 1, wherein the collar portion has an upper collar portion on a side opposite to a lower edge, and the upper collar portion covers a part of the contact portion in the closed position.   19. The upper collar portion has a dent, and the dent and the shroud form a space therebetween that is accessible by a user's finger to apply pressure to the tab for removal. Cap as described in.   The shroud wall has an outer surface that forms a dent and has a post in the dent, the collar has an inner surface, and a single conspicuous click when a collar rib passes through the post The cap of claim 1, comprising a collar rib protruding from the inner surface that interacts with the post by generating noise indicative of position.   The cap according to claim 1, wherein the cap prevents spraying in a store by a user.   The cap of claim 1, wherein the cap prevents unintentional actuation by a user.