JP6012615B2 - Container seal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a closure for an outlet opening of a container, the closure including a first component assembled on the outlet opening and sealing the outlet opening, the first component being screwed by the closure. And the second component engages with the first component when the second component is moved relative to the first component and the second component Enable operation. Specifically, the present invention relates to a first component that includes one or more elements, the one or more elements allowing a small height and a low or narrow profile for one or more of the elements. In certain juxtaposed states, the seal and mechanical features that maintain the operation of the closure are in or below the plane of the container outlet.

  Various packages, including dispensing packages or containers, have been developed for household items, personal care items, and other products. At present, several types of sealed body designs are commercially available. These are various, such as a disc or shaft top, push-to-open (push and open), flip top (pulling type), push-and-pull (push and pull), twist-to-open (twist open), and others. The current shortcomings common to all of these blockages are that no consideration is given to ease of use, audible or tactile signals, intuition, and ergonomic features that please consumers. The design developed in the present invention takes into account consumer insights. All of the sealed bodies have a built-in lock structure, and are operated by one hand operation in which the open / close position is clearly shown. The present invention also enables use of the package in an upright or inverted state. Each block is designed in an integrated manner to achieve intuitive operation, explicit opening and closing, ergonomic operation, and all sensory (audible, tactile, and visible) cues useful for operation. Furthermore, the present invention extends consumer insights that increase efficiency from usage experience.

  Currently, most of the closures complement the outer shape of the container, so that the size of the sealing body that matches the outer shape of the container is required. In one embodiment of the present invention, several advantages are obtained by minimizing the size of the seal. One advantage is to reduce the weight of the seal to the minimum resin weight necessary to achieve the required sealing functionality. This is beneficial to the environment as the industry currently does not have a well established polypropylene recycling system. By reducing the weight of the sealing body with respect to the entire package, the recyclability of the container is improved. This also reduces the total cost of the seal including costs associated with resin, processing, molds, injection molding (IM) pressure selection, and others. Another advantage of minimizing the size of the enclosure is that the enclosure is away from the central presence of the design, which makes it easy to use the same enclosure for different container designs within one pruned, It is even possible to use the same blockade for different brand families or shape families. For this reason, optimization and efficiency increase, and this further reduces the cost. This further allows for a balanced profile shape without adding features such as container shoulders and corners to accommodate the closure.

  Another advantage of minimizing the size of the seal is that it enables the seal to be incorporated into the container shape. When the container is in the inverted direction, if it is an integral design, the use of the upper surface of the container can increase stability over the case where a large block is required. This is an advantage because it determines the scale in container design and development. This also makes it easier to differentiate the shapes (eg shampoo and conditioner) to make it easier for consumers to identify the product they are looking for.

  The present invention is directed to a closure for an outlet opening of a container, the closure being a first component assembled to the outlet opening and sealing the outlet opening, wherein the closure of the closure by a screw. A first component engaged with the second component; and a second component comprising a dispensing opening of the second component and engaged with the first component by a screw A second component and a dispensing opening positioned immediately adjacent to the opening portion of the container body, wherein the second component is relative to the first component. Engages the first component when moved to allow movement of the opening, the first component including one or more element features or one or more mechanical features; The above element feature or one or more mechanical features are the mechanical features of this first component or A mechanical feature that maintains the operation of the seal and the seal in a specific juxtaposition that allows a small height or low profile or narrow profile for one or more (most) of the mechanical elements In or below the plane of the exit.

An isometric view of the blockade with an arrow indicating the open direction. An isometric view of the blockade with an arrow indicating the open direction. An exploded view of the blockade, including the lower display. An exploded view of the blockade. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the first component of the blockade. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the first component of the blockade. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the first component of the blockade. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the first component of the blockade. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a seal incorporated within the two shoulders of the container. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the second component of the blockade. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the second component of the blockade. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the second component of the blockade. Sectional drawing of the sealing body and container of FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the modified sealed body and container of FIG. 8. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a sealed body integrated with a container shoulder.

  According to the invention, the closure (1) for the outlet opening of the container comprises a first component assembled to the outlet opening and sealing the outlet opening, which first component is sealed by a screw. Engaged with a second component of the body. The first component connects the second component to the container. This allows a sealing mechanism for the container and the first component and a seal between the first and second components. Non-limiting examples of sealing mechanisms include plug seals, telescopic seals, membrane seals, crab claw seals, silicone membrane seals, spin or ultrasonic welding, glue bonding, and combinations thereof Is mentioned. In one embodiment of the invention, the sealing mechanism for the container and the first component is a plug seal (9) and the seal between the first and second components is a telescopic seal (8). The telescopic seal (8) may allow a dynamic seal between the first and second components. The telescopic seal maintains the seal while the user operates or activates the closure.

  The first component provides stability during operation of the closure relative to a second component comprising a male or female screw mechanism and a male rib (21) to allow operation of the closure. A female ramp (20) for providing. In a further embodiment, the screw mechanism includes a mechanical internal thread or a mechanical external thread designed in a helical path so that the second component can move vertically relative to the first component. obtain.

  The first component (3) also includes an anti-rotation female feature (22) for preventing free movement of the closure and a counterpart (23) for the audible mechanism. The anti-rotation feature can prevent the first component from spinning freely with respect to the container neck opening. There is also a second anti-rotation feature, such as an interlocking joint mechanism (which may be a mechanical interlocking joint) between the first and second components, which in one embodiment is a female mechanism (14 However, in another embodiment it can be a male feature (15). The audible mechanism can inform the user that the closure has been closed or opened. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first component may comprise a snap ring (24), whereby the first component is securely attached to the container neck.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the second component includes a dispensing opening and the second component is engaged to the first component by a screw. The second component may include features that enhance the user interface. Such components include color or shape differentiation, as well as haptic features (13) and ergonomic intuitive design components. Such components also include a counterpart mechanism for audible objects, a telescopic seal, a dispensing opening, a female screw mechanism or a male screw mechanism, a ramp feature or track stabilization feature, and an anti-rotation feature.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing opening (5) is positioned directly adjacent to the opening portion of the container body, and the second component is relative to the first component. Engages the first component when moved to allow movement of the opening, the first component including one or more element features or one or more mechanical features; These element features or one or more mechanical features have a small height or low profile or narrow profile for one or more (most) of the mechanical features or mechanical elements of this first component. The mechanical features that maintain the operation of the seal and the seal in a particular juxtaposition that allow are in or below the plane of the container outlet (26). Most features in the first component are located at or below the plane (25) of the container's open outlet. This allows these features to be placed in positions that are generally considered dead space. For this reason, a design having a significantly smaller height than a general sealed body is possible, and as a result, a significant reduction in the weight of the entire sealed body is achieved. This not only significantly reduces manufacturing costs, but also increases sustainability by developing seals that can be manufactured in half or less of the time compared to the average blockage and have a small molded weight. Can also be obtained (due to less energy consumption).

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the first component includes one or more elements or one or more mechanical features, the one or more elements or the one or more mechanical features included in the container opening. It is in a specific juxtaposition that allows for a small height or low profile or narrow profile regardless of the diameter.

  In one embodiment of the invention, this particular juxtaposed height and spacing may be constant regardless of the diameter dimension of the container opening. For example, the low profile required for small container openings can be maintained unchanged for larger container openings.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the first component (3) is located on one or more sealing regions, for example on the top of the neck of the container or beyond the top of the neck or on the top of the neck or the neck. It may include a plug seal (9) and a telescopic seal (8) that extend into the surface of the container and inside the container neck, or located within the height of the container neck or below the container neck This allows for a small height or low profile or narrow profile or the same plane for the mechanical features or mechanical elements of the first component.

  In a further embodiment of the invention, the first component (3) comprises one or more elements located at or below the plane defined by the upper end region or upper end area of the container neck outlet. This allows for a small height or low profile or narrow profile, or the same plane for all mechanical features or mechanical elements of the first component.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a closure (1) for the outlet opening of the container is provided, which is assembled to the outlet opening (26) to provide a seal for the outlet opening. (3) a first component engaged by a screw with a second component (4) of the sealing body, and a second component (4), the second component A second component (4) comprising a dispensing opening (5) of (4) and engaged by a screw with the first component (3) and positioned directly adjacent to the opening portion of the container body. And a second component (4), wherein the second component (4) is moved when the second component is moved relative to the first component (3). 3) to engage the opening and allow the movement of the opening, and the total assembly of the first component (3) and the second component (4) is reduced. Kutomo one material, and in a further embodiment comprise at least two materials.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the closure (1) can be designed to use a variety of different types of movement to allow the user to expose the dispensing opening (5) of the package. The sealing body (1) can be moved by rotating motion around the axis, diagonal motion, horizontal motion, vertical motion, twisting motion, lifting motion, sliding motion, and combinations thereof to expose the dispensing opening. .

  In order to achieve the directional movement described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the following mechanical features may be designed in the enclosure. That is, a female screw interface or a male screw interface, a flow path that can be provided with a telescopic mechanism, a cylindrical shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape, or a triangular shape, a rotation axis, a swing hinge type mechanism, and a combination thereof.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the first component (3) is provided with a male screw (6) to engage the second component (4), and the second component (4) is a sealing body. The internal thread (7) which is a component of the counterpart characteristic part. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first component (3) comprises a female component to engage the second component (4) and the second component (4) is sealed. It has a male component that is a component of the body counterpart feature. In further components, the first component may include a combination of male and female components, and the second component may also include a combination of male and female components.

  By means of the internal thread (7) and the external thread (6), the two components can be left together as one component. The internal thread (7) and the external thread (6) also allow the closure movement from the low position to the high position. This allows the user to dispense the liquid by exposing the dispensing opening (5).

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the second component (4) is concentric, linear, axial, radial, common radial, eccentric about the first component (3). , Spiral motion, and combinations thereof.

  The distribution opening (5) can also be exposed in different ways. For example, in a sealing body (1) that can be rotated or twisted open, the distribution opening (5) is such that the first component (3) rotates concentrically with the second component (4) within its axis of rotation. It is opened through the interaction of internal or external threads that do or spin.

  In a further embodiment of the present invention, the closure is incorporated into the container body (FIGS. 7 and 8). By providing a sealing body that is functionally as small as possible, the sealing body can be centered or offset to one side so that the container shoulder is flat with the top surface of the sealing body. It is also possible for the sealing body to be fully integrated in the shoulder (10) of the container (1) and in a further embodiment in the shoulder (10) of the container (1).

  In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the sealing body (1) is incorporated in the container body, and the outer shape of the sealing body functions to complement the contour of the container body. In a further embodiment, the closure is embedded so that when the container shoulder is used in an inverted direction, the stability is increased relative to the case where a full-size closure is required at the top of the container. It becomes possible.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the profile of the closure provides a surface for leverage that is optimal for manipulating the closure. The sealing body (1) is operated by one hand of the user or both hands of the user. The closure may have ergonomically enhanced features such as handles, levers, alternative materials, textures, specific contours, and combinations thereof. These features are used strategically to make them easy to use with wet or dry hands. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, in a sealing body (1) that uses a female screw or a male screw and is opened by twisting or rotating, if the pressure area is the same, the lever or point for rotation becomes farther from the rotation axis. It becomes easy to open the blockade. In other words, in such an embodiment, the greater the distance from the axis of rotation, the less force the consumer needs to open the closure with a specific torque. The design of the sealing body is either a design with a reinforced septum for ease of use or an ergonomically incorporated lever (11) or an ergonomically incorporated lever (19 ). It is possible to have.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the closure (1) temporarily stops one component relative to the other component in order to ensure that the closure remains closed or open. Mechanisms. The first component and / or the second component has the sealing body opened to the female screw (7) or the male screw (6) as contributing to the twisting motion or the rotational motion for opening the sealing body. It may have protrusions or protrusions (12) that sometimes close or prevent it from opening when closed. When the male screw (6) passes over the protrusion (12) or the protrusion, the sealing body is fixed in place, so that the second component (4) cannot be opened or closed without permission.

  In a further embodiment of the invention, the closure comprises a first component (3) with an arrangement mechanism that allows the first component (3) to be in a specific arrangement relative to the outlet opening of the container. including. In this embodiment, the closure has either a male or female mechanism (22) that functions as an alignment mechanism, which interacts with the male mechanism (30) or female mechanism (22) of the container. It acts to prevent free rotation and to ensure that the blocker is in an array for proper blocker operation.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing body (1) comprises a first arrangement mechanism that allows the second component (4) to be in a specific arrangement relative to the first component (3). 1 component (3). In this embodiment, a female mechanism form or a male mechanism form is formed together with the second component using the female orbit of the first component, and the first component (3) and the second configuration are formed. Includes a design that positions between the elements (4) to prevent further rotation between them. In this embodiment, the female mechanism (14) and the male mechanism (15) are designed in the form of interlocking joints, so that the twist between the first component (3) and the second component (4). A strong and stable engagement can be formed.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the closure (1) rotates about an axis between an open and a closed position.

  In a seal that opens by twisting or turning, the second component (4) is lowered and raised relative to the first component (3) by rotating the second component (4) about an axis. Move between positions to allow the user to expose the dispensing opening (5) of the second component (4).

  In a further embodiment of the invention, the closure (1) comprises a tactile feature (13) and / or a visible feature (16) that will indicate to the user how to operate the closure. In this closure (1), the tactile features (13) and visible features are shown or communicated to the user so that they can see where they need to be squeezed or pushed or restrained and in which direction the force needs to be applied. Part (16) is incorporated.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the blocker comprises an audible sound mechanism. In one embodiment, the closure is a cantilever feature (17) or similar mechanical feature that emits sound when a user operates the closure from the open position to the closed position and / or from the closed position to the open position. Part. This informs the user that the blockade is completely open and that the blockage is completely closed.

  In a further embodiment of the invention, the first component (3) may comprise a fixing rib (27) to stabilize the second component (4) relative to the first component.

  Having a fixation rib (27) on either the first component (3) or the second component (4) increases the integrity of the assembly and thus a more stable assembly. This is because the left and right movements (swings) of the second component (4) relative to the first component (3) can be limited by the fixing rib (27).

  In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first component (3) is provided with a fixing rib (27), so that the first component (3) and the second component ( 4) can be kept intact.

  Having a fixation rib (27) on either the first component (3) or the second component (4) increases the integrity of the assembly and thus makes the assembly more rigid. This is because the fixing rib (27) restricts the left-right movement (swing) of the second component, and as a result, the holding force of the second component (4) on the first component (3) increases. by. The retaining rib (27) enhances the engagement of the retaining feature and prevents the second component (4) from leaving the first component (3). In a further embodiment of the invention, the first component (3) or the second component (4) may comprise a multi-stage open projection for metered administration. Having a multi-stage opening block allows the consumer to open the block to different heights and thus control the opening size of the dispensing opening. This allows the consumer to dispense the desired amount from the container, but this can be done with existing closures that can only be controlled in a limited way for the amount that the consumer dispenses from the container. were) It is different. According to the present invention, the consumer can always take the same accurate amount each time.

  Having a multi-stage opening block allows the consumer to open the block at different heights and thus control the opening size of the dispensing opening. This allows the consumer to dispense the desired amount from the container. This is different from today's they can have only limited control over the amount dispensed from the container. According to the present invention, the consumer can always obtain the same accurate amount each time.

  In a further embodiment of the invention, the sealing body is made of a circulating material. The entire blockade may be made from a circulating material, or only the first component (3) or the second component (4) may be a circulating material. In this way, a more recyclable blockage can be realized. Available materials include: PCR, HDPE, LDPE, bamboo, renewable resins (PLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), and biopolyolefins starting from plants or biomass, not petroleum) (Including bio-PE, bio-PP, bio-PET); PP PCR (pulverized recycled material from consumer goods waste), which is a resin that is diverted from waste and reprocessed and / or reused And regenerated and renewable resins such as PIR (pulverized reclaimed material from industrial waste); and natural fillers (minerals (eg CaCO3), wood, pulp, paper, bamboo, glass, kenaf, firefly plants, and Other natural plants that have been crushed, cut, broken, or pulverized for inclusion in plastics); plants or bio, not petroleum Recyclable resins containing PLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), and biopolyolefins (bio-PE, bio-PP, bio-PET); diverted from waste Recycled and recyclable resins, such as PP PCR (pulverized and recycled material from consumer goods waste) and PIR (pulverized and recycled material from industrial waste), which are resins that are reprocessed and / or reused Some other recycled materials, including discarded money (eg, US dollar bills), can also be used as fillers.

  In a further embodiment of the present invention, a container made according to the present invention, wherein the container is polyglycolic acid (PGA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), terephthalic acid aliphatic-aromatic copolyester, Formed from a biodegradable polymeric material selected from the group consisting of aromatic copolyesters highly containing terephthalic acid, thermoplastic starch (TPS), cellulose, or mixtures thereof.

  Recyclable materials can include non-petroleum resources, biodegradable polymers, recycled resins, and biopolymers made from mixtures thereof. Promising biopolymers that can be used for such applications include bamboo, paper, and grass. The non-petroleum resource can be selected from the group consisting of biological polyethylene, biological polypropylene, biological polyester, and mixtures thereof. Some or all of such recyclable materials may contain colorants, antistatic agents, UV inhibitors, or other minor additives to change the appearance or performance.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal can include at least two materials. The sealing body can be molded using a hard material (18) (eg a resin such as polypropylene (PP)) and a soft material (19). In a further embodiment of the invention, such hard materials include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene PE and polypropylene PP, acrylates such as polymethyl acrylate PMA, carbonates such as polycarbonate PC, carbonates such as polycarbonate PC, Methacrylates such as polymethylmethacrylate PMMA, amides such as nylon 6, acetals, copolymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-ABS, chlorinated polymers such as polyvinyl chloride PVC, styrene resins such as polystyrene PS, polyethylene terephthalate PET Esters such as PETG, modified esters such as PETG, polyformaldehyde such as Delrin, methacrylates such as polymethylmethacrylate PMMA, nylon 6 Any amides, acetals, copolymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-ABS, chlorinated polymers such as polyvinyl chloride PVC, styrene resins such as polystyrene PS, esters such as polyethylene terephthalate PET, modified esters such as PETG, As well as hard resins such as polyformaldehyde such as Delrin.

  In a further embodiment, the closure may be molded using a soft material (19). Such soft materials (19) include soft injection moldable resins, thermoplastic elastomers TPE including styrenic (SEBS and SBS) and olefinic (TPO PP elastomers), thermoplastic polyurethane TPU, Examples include melt processable rubber MPR, thermoplastic vulcanizate TPV, and polyvinyl chloride, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, a soft-feeling material can be used to delight consumers with the soft tactile sensation when opening and closing the seal.

  In a further embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to use soft resins not based on injection molding, such as silicone and urethane rubber.

  In a further embodiment of the invention, the closure is a functional performance (sealable, ergonomic, storage stable surface, visual aid for the user, container durability, tactile and audible signal to the user. Materials that can enhance customization, and combinations thereof, may also be included. By using a material such as TPE or silicone, it is possible to enhance the seal between the design of the dispensing opening (5) and the spud (2). In such applications, the softer material (19) has a tendency to adapt itself to the design of the spud (2) and thus has a higher sealing performance compared to the case between PP components. Is obtained.

  In such a sealing body, it is also possible to reduce the coefficient of friction between the two components by incorporating different materials for the first component (3) and the second component (4). Usable material combinations include PP / PP, HDPE / PP, LDPE / PP, Acetel / PP, bamboo / PP and combinations thereof.

  The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” shall mean “about 40 mm”.

  All references cited in the “Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” of the present invention are hereby incorporated by reference in the relevant part, and any citation of any reference is accepted as prior art to the present invention. Should not be construed as doing. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document shall apply And

  While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (16)

A sealing body for the outlet opening of the container,
a. A first component assembled to the outlet opening to provide a seal to the outlet opening, wherein the first component is engaged with the second component of the closure by a screw;
b. A second component comprising a dispensing opening, wherein the second component is engaged to the first component by a screw;
c. The dispensing opening positioned directly adjacent to the opening portion of the body of the container;
The second component engages the first component to allow movement of the opening when the second component is moved relative to the first component; and The first component includes a seal with the container and a seal with the second component, the seals being identified with the seals in or below the plane of the outlet of the container. is in the juxtaposition, the second component, a body of cylindrical shape has a lever portion that protrudes in the radial direction of the body from the main body, connected to said sealed body and said sealed body The container is held by one hand of the user, and the second component is rotated by pushing the lever portion along the circumferential direction of the main body with one finger of the one hand, thereby the distribution opening. A blockade where the part is opened.   The sealing body according to claim 1, wherein the sealing body is made of at least two materials.   The closure of claim 1, wherein the second component moves concentrically about the first component.   The sealed body according to claim 1, wherein the sealed body is incorporated in a container body. A convex container shoulder and a recess provided adjacent to the container shoulder are provided on the upper portion of the container body, and the sealing body of the container is filled so as to fill the recess. The sealing body according to claim 4 , which is integrated with an upper part of the main body.   2. The closure of claim 1, comprising a mechanism that ensures that the closure remains closed or open by temporarily stopping one component relative to the other component. Blockade.   The first component includes an alignment mechanism capable of aligning a closure component with the outlet opening of the container, the alignment mechanism having an alignment assembly or alignment assembly. 1. The sealed body according to 1.   The sealed body according to claim 1, wherein the sealed body includes a tactile feature made of unevenness provided on a side surface of the second component.   The sealed body according to claim 1, wherein the sealed body includes a visible feature portion formed of a curvilinear pattern provided on an upper surface of the second component. The sealed body of claim 9 , wherein the sealed body includes the visible feature that provides the user with an explanation of how to operate the sealed body. The sealed body according to claim 8 , wherein the sealed body includes the tactile feature that provides the user with instructions on how to operate the sealed body.   The sealed body according to claim 1, wherein the sealed body includes an audible sound mechanism.   The sealed body according to claim 1, wherein the sealed body is made of a circulating material.   The first component protrudes from the wall surface so as to fill an annular groove into which the cylindrical body of the second component is inserted, and a gap between the wall surface of the annular groove and the cylindrical body. The sealing body according to claim 1, wherein the fixed rib is provided. 14. The sequestered body according to claim 13 , wherein the recycling material is selected from the group consisting of biopolymers composed of non-petroleum resources, biodegradable polymers, regenerated resins, and mixtures thereof. The sequestered body of claim 15 , wherein the non-petroleum resource is selected from the group consisting of biologically derived polyethylene, biologically derived polypropylene, biologically derived polyester, and mixtures thereof.

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