JPH11193080A - Tapered closure and its manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To minimize a residue of the content in a container by a method wherein the container comprises a peripheral edge closure side wall having an upper closure side wall equipped with an upper surface having a circumference, and a lower closure side wall equipped with a bottom surface having a circumference, and a stage which is concentrically integrated with the peripheral edge closure side wall, and has a surface which sinks from the upper surface. SOLUTION: At an upper part of this tapered closure, a stage 91 and an upper closure side wall 92 which is concentric with the stage 91 are provided. The stage 91 comprises an upper stage surface 113, a peripheral edge stage side wall which is concentric and integrated with the upper stage surface 113, and a lower stage surface, and sinks from the upper surface of the upper closure wall 92. Also, at a lower part of this tapered closure, a lower closure side wall 108 for the peripheral edge which extends from the upper stage surface 113 to a lower closure side wall bottom surface 111, is provided. The lower closure side wall 108 is integrated with the upper closure side wall 92. By this method, a residue stays on the stage surface 91, and the residue is prevented from returning to the inside of this container.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The priority application in the present application is 1997
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/058, filed Sep. 9, 1998,
No. 296, which is a continuation-in-part application by Mohary et al. Of U.S. Application No. Include as literature.

[0002]

The present invention relates to container closures (lids and caps), and more particularly to tapered closures (lids and caps).

[0003]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Most dispensing containers in use today are sized for use by adults. Small children have very small hands, which makes it difficult for children to handle and effectively dispense (or dispense) therefrom containers designed for use by adults. Conversely, it would be difficult for an adult to use a dispensing container specifically designed for use by a small child.

[0004] Other problems associated with conventional containers include:
The container is designed so that an adult dispenses the product, that is, the force required to remove the product from the container corresponds to the strength of the adult's hand. Elderly people, who are weaker than children and most adults, have less power to apply to distribute products. Thus, for a container to be preferred for children with very little hand strength, a container that can be dispensed with low dispensing power would be desirable.

In conventional toiletry packaging, the product is in an upright orientation, ie, with the flat end of the container below its open end, such as when the container is placed when its contents are full of product. In many cases, storage (storage) packaging is performed so as to be suitable. While such products are often stored in an upright configuration, they are often turned upside down and dispensed from the container. Usually, there is a certain amount of product in the container that is not easily dispensed due to hold-up, i.e., contact with the container wall. The amount of this hold-up is greater for containers where the product is stored in one orientation and used in the opposite orientation. This problem is exacerbated with viscous products such as shampoos.

[0006] Another problem with conventional containers is that the container slips from the hand when the hand is wet. This is especially a problem with toiletries that small children often use in the bath, such as shampoos and body wash products.

One particularly suitable closure design for providing a stable platform in an inverted package is a tapered closure. However, due to the shape of these closures, their manufacture is inherently difficult. That is, these closures must be left in the mold for an extended period of time to completely cool the thickest part, or if they are removed early from the mold, the closures will not Irregular "dents" or dents often form on the surface.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing (dispensing) container designed to fit comfortably in the hands of both small children and adults.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a container that requires minimal force to dispense product from the container as is preferred for use by people with low hand strength. It is another object of the present invention to provide a container with a design feature that the container does not slip from the user's hand, especially when the hand is wet. It is another object of the present invention to provide a container suitable for storage in an inverted arrangement so as to minimize residue of the contents of the container, especially when used for storage of mucus products.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a container having a surface on which the container can be easily labeled, and which can be used ergonomically and effectively by children and adults.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a tapered closure with minimal surface defects that allows storage of containers with tapered closures in an inverted position.

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided: a) a peripheral closure side wall further comprising a top closure side wall further having a top surface having a circumference; and a lower closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference. B) a tapered closure comprising (essentially) a stage having an upper stage surface concentric with said peripheral closure sidewall and recessed from said top surface.

Another aspect of the invention is: a) a peripheral closure side wall further comprising a top closure side wall further having an outer periphery and a lower closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having an outer periphery; A stage having an upper stage surface concentric with the closure side wall and recessed from the top surface (essentially).

Still another aspect of the present invention is: a) a peripheral closure side wall further comprising a top closure side wall further having a top surface having a circumference; and a lower closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference. A) a stage concentric with the peripheral closure side wall; and c) a tapered closure consisting of (essentially) a channel concentrically intermediate the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of manufacturing a tapered closure, comprising: a) an upper closure sidewall further comprising a top surface having a circumference; and a lower closure sidewall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference. B) a mold capable of molding a closure comprising: a stage having an upper stage surface concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having a recess from the upper surface; A method consisting (essentially) of molding the closure.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of manufacturing a tapered closure, comprising: a) an upper closure sidewall further comprising a top surface having an outer periphery; and a lower closure sidewall further comprising a bottom surface having an outer periphery. B) a mold capable of forming a closure having a stage having an upper stage surface concentric with the peripheral closure side wall and recessed from the upper surface; and b) the closure under sufficient conditions. A process consisting essentially of:

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of manufacturing a tapered closure, comprising: a) an upper closure sidewall further comprising a top surface having an outer periphery; and a lower closure sidewall further comprising a bottom surface having an outer periphery. A moldable closure comprising: a peripheral closure sidewall provided; b) a stage concentric with the peripheral closure sidewall; and c) a channel concentrically intermediate the stage and the peripheral closure sidewall. A method consisting (essentially) of molding said closure under conditions sufficient in a mold.

The unique properties of the tapered closure of the present invention greatly reduce both the percentage of closures having surface "dents" or other surface defects and the closure manufacturing cycle time. A better understanding of the present invention and other advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As used herein, the term "upward" refers to the case where the flat end of the container is a container, such as when the container is placed when it is full of product to be placed in the container. Means below the open end. Conversely, the term "downward" means that the flat end of the container is above the open end of the container. Similarly, "landscape" means that the container is in an intermediate configuration between upward and downward. Such an orientation description is used only to simplify the description of the orientation of the container and does not imply the orientation of the container when storing the product or when dispensing the product from the container. As described below, various embodiments of the container of the present invention can be used in an upward or downward orientation.

The basic form of the present invention is illustrated by an upwardly-facing container shown at 6 in FIGS. Container 6
Has an open end 1 and a flat end 2. The flat end of the container 6 preferably has a surface 21 on which the container 6 can stand when placed in a plane facing upward. The open end 1 of the container 6 has a neck 3 forming an opening 20 in the container. The neck 3 is provided with a neck finish 4 adapted to fit a closure (not shown) of the container. The neck finish 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a thread finish, but other finishes known in the art can be used in the container of the present invention. By way of example, other suitable finishes include, but are not limited to, "The Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Te
chnology, 172-85 (1986) "(hereinafter" Wile
y ") press-fit finish as disclosed in
Includes snap-on finish, snap and turn finish or oriented screw finish.

The open end 1 of the container 6 further has a shoulder 5 connecting the neck 3 to the body 22 of the container. Container body 2
2 comprises an upper body part 7 adjacent to the open end 1 which is preferably cylindrical in cross section. The upper body portion 7 of the container 6 measures from about 4.7 inches to about 6.0, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 23 of the container.
Inches, more preferably from about 5.0 inches to about 5.0 inches.
It is preferred to have a circumference that can range up to 7 inches, most preferably from about 5.2 inches to about 5.7 inches. Preferably, upper body portion 7 has a substantially constant circumference of at least about 0.2 inches in length along the longitudinal axis of container 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, the upper body portion 7 transitions along the longitudinal axis 23 to a central body portion 8 adjacent below the upper body portion 7. Upper body part 7 to central body part 8
In the transition to, the container 6 continuously increases in circumference and begins to assume a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Container 6
Moving down along the vertical axis, the circumference of the container continues to increase to the location of the maximum circumference 9, after which the circumference of the container 6 preferably decreases continuously. The maximum circumference defines the transition from the central body portion 8 of the container 6 to the lower body portion adjacent its flat end 2.

The vertical length of the upper body portion 7, the central body portion 8, and the lower body portion 10 may vary depending on the desired use of the container 6, but the ratio of the length of the central body portion to the upper body portion is about 1.2. It is preferably in the range of from 1: 1 to about 6: 1, more preferably in the range of from about 1.75: 1 to about 5: 1. The length ratio of the lower body portion to the upper body portion preferably ranges from about 1: 1 to about 3: 1, and preferably ranges from about 1.2: 1 to about 2.5: 1. More preferred.

FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (f) show the deformation of the circumference of the container along the cross-sectional shape and its vertical length. Each of these drawings shows a schematic cross-sectional shape of the container 6 along the cross-sectional line FF shown in FIG. We have unexpectedly found that changing the circumference of the container along the vertical axis would allow a small child to easily grab and use it, resulting in an ergonomically identical container that could be used by larger children and adults. Was.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body portion 22 of the container 6 has a front portion 11, a rear portion 12, a first side surface 13, and a second side surface 14. The front part 11 of the container has a first recess 15
And the rear of the container has a second recess 16. These recesses are adjacent to the flat end 2, the first side 13 and the second side 14 of the container 6. The first panel 17 and the second panel 17 are respectively provided on the front and rear portions of the container 6 by the first recess 15 and the second recess 16.
Make panel 18. Each of these recesses has a depth 19 as shown in FIG. The depth of the recess 15 is, for example, the container 6
Is the distance perpendicular to the vertical axis from the protruding line 21 protruding from the flat end 2 to the panel 17 of the container. As shown in FIG. 18, when the container is turned down (upside down), the first support 71 and the rear portion 12 of the container 6 tangentially arranged at the recess 15 in the front portion 11 of the container 6. Has a depth sufficient to hold the container 6 with the second support 72 disposed in the recess 16 of the second member. Note that these supports do not actually contact the container panel. The depth of these indents can be reduced when handling containers down or sideways, such as when used to place or dispense cleaning products such as body cleansers and shampoos used in showers and baths. In particular, when wet, the container can be provided with an anti-slip form, which is effective.

The depth of the recess may be any predetermined depth, for example depending on the predetermined end use of the container and the contents stored in the container. Preferably, the depth of the recess varies at various locations of the container, with the location adjacent the flat end 2 of the container being the deepest and towards the open end 2 and gradually becoming shallower in the longitudinal direction, where the first side 13 and More preferably, it approximates the second side surface 14. Preferably, the recess depth is in the range from about 2.0 mm to about 3.4 mm, and from about 2.5 mm to about 2.9 m.
More preferably it is in the range up to m. While such a depth is preferred to provide a container with effective anti-slip properties, it is contemplated that other recess depths can be made to meet specific needs and fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention. Recognize.

In a preferred embodiment, the recess is not close to the open end of the container, thus creating a "U" outer frame for the panel. If there is no dent near the open end 1, the user of the container will cover the entire length of the first and second panels from the bottom of the panel closest to the flat end 2 of the container.
You can slide your hand freely to find the recessed part of the container that has a circumference that best fits the size of the user's hand.

The above-listed dimensions and structural features of the container of the present invention allow both adults and small children to easily grasp and handle the container in an ergonomically favorable manner. As will be explained below, these dimensions and structural features will result in the consumer choosing the container of the present invention over prior art containers for suitability for handling.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
And 18 are concave with respect to the sides 13, 14 and the flat end 2 of the container. The size, shape and arrangement of the panels can vary depending on the intended end use of the container,
And the second panel 18 preferably have the same size, shape and arrangement. The panel has a large dimension in the direction from the open end 1 to the flat end 2 of the container, i.e. in a direction usually parallel to the longitudinal axis 23 of the container, and the second
It has a small dimension up to the side, that is to say in a direction normally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 23. The length of the panel is defined as the distance from the point of the depression 15 closest to the bottom of the container 24, ie from the point 30 to the upper end 29 of the upper body part 7 of the container.

The surfaces 27 and 28 of the panels 17, 18 may be substantially flat or curved. If the panel surface is curved, the curve preferably extends in only one dimension and is substantially straight in other dimensions. For example, panels 17 and 18 of the container of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are curved in small dimensions but straight in large dimensions. More preferably, the panel is substantially straight at a major dimension at a distance of at least about 50% of its length, and even more preferably at a distance of at least about 65% of its length, based on its length. We have found that this panel configuration is particularly advantageous because by printing or gluing the label with adhesive to the container, the container can be displayed and decorated on the panel portion of the container. In the case of printing, the print roll can be stably brought into contact with a substantial part of the panel if the two-dimensional substantial part of the panel is not bent. Similarly, in the case of a self-adhesive label, the self-adhesive label can be bonded to the panel without substantially wrinkling the label if the two-dimensional part of the panel is not bent.

FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) show optional laterally projecting projections 25 and recesses 26 on the sides of the container to provide a means for the user to easily grasp the container with the finger. 5 shows another embodiment of a container of the invention formed. Further, both the protrusion and the recess may be formed in the container of the present invention. Although FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) illustrate only one combination of a lateral projection and a circular depression, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the container of the present invention may have a plurality of projections and depressions and / or a user It will be appreciated that other means of gripping may be provided, such as rubber or polymeric material of various shapes, sizes and amounts molded or adhered to the container to facilitate gripping.

The capacity of the container of FIG. 6 is about one-half the capacity of the container of FIGS. 1 and 2 and represents another embodiment of the container of FIGS.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the container 6 of the present invention is provided with a closure 39 for entering and exiting the product to be placed therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the appropriate type of closure for use in the present invention will depend on various factors, such as the type of product in the container, the desired form of product removal, and the availability provided to the consumer. Any closure known in the art can be used for the container of the present invention, without limitation to the closure disclosed in Wiley. For containers used for liquid storage and dispensing (dispensing), the simplest form of closure would be a one-piece conventional cap that must be removed from the container to dispense the product. However, it is preferred to use a closure that does not need to be removed from the container to dispense the product.

Closure 3 for dispensing liquid products
9 and FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG.
Shown in Other suitable closures include, but are not limited to, 1) a closure with a lid and a body that allows the lid to be completely removed from the closure body, such as disclosed in Wiley; 2) from the body of the closure. Closures with lids that can be slidably removed; 3) closures that are well known in the art, such as push-pull or flip-spout type lidless closures.

The closure 39 is composed of a main body (body) portion 31.
And a lid portion 32 hinged to the main body portion by the hinge 3. Body portion 31 includes an orifice (not shown) for dispensing product. The lid portion 32 has a pin on its lower side (not shown) sized to fit into an orifice of the body portion 31. When the lid portion 32 is in the closed position, the pin contacts the body portion 31 to seal the container and prevent its contents from being exposed. An optional recess 34 may be provided to place the finger in the recess 34 below a portion of the lid 35 and then to easily open the closure by applying force to the underside of the lid.

The closure 39 has a bottom surface 36 adjacent the upper body portion of the container and an upper surface 37 remote from the bottom surface 36. The closure 39 has a substantially uniform circumference from its bottom surface 36 to its top surface 37 that is substantially equal to the circumference of the upper body portion of the container.

Another novel feature of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The closure 39 stores the container upside down (storage)
A suitable upper surface 38 is provided. When the contents of the container are reduced, the container can be stored upside down and the remaining contents of the container can be stored at its open end from the flat end of the container, thereby removing substantially the entire contents of the container and providing a more viscous content. Can be substantially solved. Preferably, both the flat end of the container and the upper end of the container have surfaces that allow storage of the container in an upward or inverted direction.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 upside down and upside down, respectively. Closure 4
0 is a bottom surface 41 adjacent to the upper body portion of the container;
There is a top surface 42 remote from the one. The bottom surface 41 has a substantially circumference substantially equal to the circumference of the upper body portion 7 of the container. The closure 40 is tapered so that the circumference of the container increases from the bottom surface 41 to the top surface 42 of the closure. Such closures are referred to herein as "reverse taper" closures. The degree of taper depends on the intended end use and aesthetic effect of the container. The closure 40 has an upper surface 43 that can store the container upside down. If the circumference above the taper closure is large, when storing the container upside down,
Stability to the container is further increased.

In another preferred embodiment, the closure used in the container of the present invention can be provided with a valve as shown in FIG. Examples of suitable valves that can be used with the container of the present invention include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,439,143, 4,749,108, 4,846,810, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Is included as a reference in this specification. Such valves are usually designed to open at a pressure above a certain critical pressure, so that the product can be taken out of the container at a pressure below the critical pressure and closed, whereby the product leaves the container Is prevented. The minimum value of the limiting pressure of the valve is determined by the value necessary for the valve to keep the contents of the container when the contents of the container show the maximum head pressure, ie when the container is full. The head pressure of the contents of the container also depends on the density of the contents and the shape of the container. In practice, the actual minimum critical pressure is somewhat higher than the head pressure, due to the slight pressure changes that occur in the container when the container is handled when emptying is undesirable. The maximum limit pressure is determined by the need to keep the valve open when the user wants to press the container. In the container of the present invention, not only adults but also children and / or elderly people with relatively weak hands must be able to move the valve.

For a container made of an elastic material, when a force is applied to the outside of the container, the pressure in the container becomes larger than the limit pressure, and the product comes out of the container. When the pushing force is interrupted or sufficiently weakened, the pressure in the container decreases below the limit pressure, whereby the valve can be closed and the product can be prevented from coming out of the container. This feature is particularly important in applications where the container is frequently used upside down.

FIGS. 20, 21, 22 (a) and 22
(B) shows a container of the present invention having an inverted tapered closure 85 with a lid 84 and a valve 80. The lid 84 is hingedly connected to an extension member 86 via a hinge 83.
The lid 84 includes a stopper 82 on its lower side that fits with the protruding orifice ring 81 of the closure 85.
At the time of use or when the product is in a position for dispensing use,
Is in the pulled position as shown in FIG. During storage or transport, the lid 84 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. When in its closed position, the stopper 82 on the underside of the lid 84 mates with the protruding orifice ring 81 to prevent reversal of the valve 82 and removal of product from the valve.
The closure 85 has a bottom surface 88 having a circumference substantially equal to the circumference of the upper body portion of the container and adjacent to the upper portion of the container. The closure 85 is tapered, and the circumference of its upper surface is larger than the circumference of its bottom surface. Upper surface 8 of closure 85
If the circumference of 7 is large, the container stored upside down will be more stable. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23-33, the upper portion of the taper closure 85 comprises a stage 91, a stage extending around the periphery of the stage 91, a concentric channel 90, and the stage 91 and the channel 90.
And a peripheral upper closure side wall 92 concentric with both of them. The upper closure side wall 92 has a channel 90
Extending to the outer periphery of As shown in more detail in FIG. 33, the stage 91 includes an upper stage surface 113, a peripheral stage side wall 114 concentric with the upper stage surface 113 and integral with the upper stage surface 113, and a lower stage surface 97.

The upper closure sidewall 92 extends from the top surface 93 of the closure to the bottom surface of the channel 90 or, in embodiments without channels, to the upper stage surface 113. As shown in FIG. 24, as measured along the longitudinal axis A, the height of the upper closure sidewall 92 is the overall height of the closure, as shown in FIG.
Within a range of greater than about 0% and less than about 100%, preferably greater than about 20% and less than about 90%, more preferably greater than about 50% and less than about 70%, based on H. Usually, The thickness of the upper closure sidewall 92 can vary depending on the size of the closure, the impact strength of the closure, and the time available for the closure to cool properly during molding, but with a thickness of about 0 From .38 mm (0.015 inch) to about 2.03 mm (0.080 inch), preferably from about 0.76 mm (0.03 inch) to about 1.80 mm.
Up to 52 mm (0.06 inch), more preferably from about 1.02 mm (0.04 inch) to about 1.27 mm
(0.05 inch).

The width of the channel 90 may vary depending on the size of the closure, the impact strength of the closure, the time available for the closure to cool properly during molding, and the width of the stage. The width is generally inversely proportional to the width of the stage 97, and is preferably smaller than the width. More preferably, the width of the channel 90, as measured along the plane of the upper stage surface 91, is at least about 1.65 mm (0.065 inches). FIGS. 35 (c) and 35 (d) show two embodiments of closures 85 of channels 90 of different widths.

In the preferred embodiment, channel 90
Has at least one hole 94 through which water and / or the remainder of the product can be drained from the channel, and is made in the shoulder 5 of the container when securing the closure to the container. Due to this feature, residue accumulates on the stage surface 91,
Dirty residue is prevented from returning into the container.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, the stage 91 has an upper surface 93 of the upper closure wall 92.
Recessed from. The recess 200 in the stage is the distance from the upper stage surface 113 along the longitudinal axis A of the closure to the upper surface of the upper closure sidewall 92, as shown in FIG. Stage recess 200 may be varied depending on the size of a given closure, the impact strength of a given closure, the distance required for movement of a given dispensing mechanism, and the time available for the closure to cool properly during molding. ,
The depth of the recess is, as shown in FIG. 27, about 100% deeper than about 0% based on the overall height of the closure, H.
Less than about 20%, preferably less than about 20%
To a depth of less than about 30%, more preferably
Usually, it is in the range up to a depth of less than 0%. In a further preferred embodiment where the taper closure 85 is a dispensing closure, the recess depth is such that a given dispenser resealing mechanism can function while remaining recessed below the top surface 93 as shown in FIG.

As shown by "θ" in FIG. 24, the taper degree of the taper closure is set at an angle of less than about 90 ° with respect to the perpendicular of the vertical axis "A" of the closure 85 as shown by "B". It may range up to an angle greater than about 25, preferably from about 85 ° to about 45 °, more preferably from about 80 ° to about 55 °.

As shown in FIG. 33, the lower portion of the taper closure 85 has a bottom surface of the channel 90 or a peripheral lower closure side wall extending from the upper stage surface 113 to the lower closure side wall bottom surface 111 in the embodiment having no channel. There are 108. Lower closure 8
5 when viewed from the outside, the lower closure side wall 1 is arranged such that the side walls 92 and 108 appear as one uniform peripheral wall 131.
08 is integral with the upper closure side wall 92. FIG.
As shown in FIG.
Is thick enough to be seen on the bottom of the closure. The thickness and height of the lower closure sidewall 108 will vary depending on the size of the given closure, the impact strength of the given closure, and the time available to allow the closure to cool properly during molding, but the thickness is typically From about 1.91 mm (0.075 inch) to about 0.38
mm (0.015 inch), preferably about 1.27 inches
mm (0.050 inch) to about 0.89 mm (0.0
35 inches) and the height is greater than about 0% and about 100% based on H, as measured along the vertical axis A, as shown in FIG.
To a height of less than, preferably greater than about 10% to about 80%
To a height of less than about 30%, more preferably greater than about 30%
It is in the range up to a height of less than 0%.

The connection portion 107 of the closure adapted to receive the neck of the container is integral with the lower stage surface 97. All means for securing the closure over the container are available. Such means are well known to those skilled in the art, and include screwing means for allowing the container to be screwed to the screw neck of the container as shown in FIG. 33, and a snap-fit bead as shown in FIG. It is not limited to the means.

In the preferred embodiment where the closure 85 is a dispensing closure, the closure may use any of the dispensing mechanisms described above. FIG. 29 and FIG.
Shows one of the distributing mechanisms having a stopper 82 and a distribution orifice 122 disposed on the upper stage surface 113, and disposing the stopper 82 on the lid 84 attached to the closure 85 by a two-part integral hinge assembly.

More specifically, the plug 99 is disposed on the lower surface of the extension member 86 connected to the thin upper closure wall 92 via the first integral hinge 101. The lid 84
A stopper is provided on a lower surface of the orifice ring 81 which is fixedly fitted to the orifice ring 81. The plug 99 is fixedly fitted to the hole 102 of the stage surface 113 to move the second integral hinge 83. The hinge 83 is an integral hinge, and the lid 84 can be in the open position (see FIGS. 31 and 32) or the closed position (see FIG. 23). The shape of plug 99 and hole 102 is not critical, but it is preferred to use a plug with a bead or flange-like end slightly larger than the diameter of hole 102. These diameters will allow the plug 99 to be fixed "locked" or "snap" in the throat 121 of the hole 102. As another suitable securing mechanism, as shown in FIG.
One means is provided.

The means for attaching the lid 84 to the closure 85 is not critical, but is advantageous because the two-part integral hinge assembly protects the lid 84 from the rest of the closure 85. Put the lid 84 on the closure 85
Other means for linking to Will are known in the art.
y include, but are not limited to, a ball and socket assembly as disclosed in y.

When lid 84 is in the closed position, lid 84 needs to be adapted to close distribution orifice 122. For this reason, the stopper 82 must be housed in the throat, preferably in a compression fit for sealing.
The actual shape and design of the stop 82 and the distribution orifice 122 are not critical, but the cylindrical stop 82 and the rounded distribution orifice 1 with the cylindrical throat 123
22 is preferred. The orifice ring 81 preferably has a substantial height that allows for clean distribution and prevents liquid leakage.

The detent 103 integral with the outer edge of the lid 84
Thus, the lid 84 can be locked at the opening position by frictionally fitting the detent 103 to the upper closure side wall 92 as shown in FIGS. 24, 31, and 32. Although the shape of the detent 103 is not important, the width W of the lid 84 at the position of the detent 103 is determined according to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 2, the width of the upper closure side wall opening 130 at the hinge 101 is preferably sufficiently large so that the lid 84 can be fixedly locked at the position where the lid 84 is contracted by the detent 103.

In a more preferred embodiment, where the valve is secured within the throat 123 of the distribution orifice 122, the container can be stored in an inverted position with the lid 84 in the retracted position as shown in FIG. As a result, during use, as shown in FIG. 21, the container can be stored in an inverted position without reclosing the lid 84. All valves known in the art can be used to control the flow of material that can be dispensed (dispensed) through the closure,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,8, incorporated herein by reference.
No. 77 is preferred.

As also shown in FIG. 30, the valve 98 can be incorporated into the closure by methods known in the art, such as by providing a retaining ring that snaps into place relative to the body of the closure. The closure valve is held by mechanical means such as use, but is not limited thereto. (See US Pat. No. 5,377,877)
Further, the valve and the closure can be integrally formed by, for example, injection molding or simultaneous injection molding of different materials constituting the valve and the closure. The method of co-injection molding is described, for example, in US Pat.
3,045 and Modern Plastics Encyclopedia, MacGr
aw-Hill, New York, USA, 1990, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 (b),
In another embodiment of the tapered closure 85 of the present invention, there is no channel 90 but the stage 91
And the upper closure side wall 92 concentric with the stage 91
There is. In this embodiment, the upper closure side wall 92 extends integrally upward on the outer circumference of the upper stage surface 113.

As shown in FIG. 35 (a), yet another embodiment of the taper closure 85 of the present invention includes a stage 91 which is not recessed and an outer periphery of the stage 91 which is concentric with the stage 91. An extending channel 90;
Both stage 91 and channel 90 have concentric upper closure sidewalls 92.

The closure described herein is similar to that of FIG.
6 (a) and FIG. 36 (b), respectively, it can be manufactured into a predetermined shape such as a closure having a square horizontal cross section or a triangular horizontal cross section. A cross section is desirable. In particular, FIG. 36A shows a rounded upper stage surface 161,
3 shows a closure 160 having an upper closure sidewall (not shown) having a triangular upper surface 162, while FIG.
6 (b) shows a closure 170 having a rounded upper stage surface 171 and an upper closure side wall (not shown) having a square upper surface 172. Similarly, the shape of the stage surface as viewed from the top view of the closure is not critical, but a more rounded shape, a circular or oval circumferential shape is preferred.

The circumference of the top surface 93 of the upper closure sidewall 92 is greater than the circumference of the bottom surface 111 of the lower closure sidewall 108, ie, a "reverse" tapered closure, but other closure embodiments such as shown in FIG. Is a closure 155 without an inverted channel where the circumference of the top surface 151 is smaller than the circumference of the bottom surface 152 of the closure. Channel 90 is visible in top view,
For example, unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the channel 153 of the closure 155 of FIG.
Are not visible in the top view, but are rather visible in the bottom view (not shown). The upper stage surface 154 of the closure 155 in both FIGS. 39 and 40 is visible in a top view (not shown).

FIG. 11 is an inverted view of the container of FIG. 11 and FIG. You will find that when inverted, the container usually exhibits an "exclamation point" shape. The dimensions of the container are such that a small child can conveniently and easily grip the container near the upper body portion 7 of the container, while a large child or adult can easily grip the central body portion 8 and the lower body portion 10 of the container. . The container 6 is preferably sized and shaped so that an average sized hand can grasp the container at its widest part 9.
The grasping method is a method of touching both sides of the container with the thumb and other fingers, and holding the back side of the container so as to touch at least a part of the front side of the container.

The containers and closures of the present invention can be formed into a predetermined shape and can be comprised of a material that is inert to the material contained therein. Preferred materials include resilient polymeric materials commonly used in container manufacturing techniques, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride-based resins, polyethylene terephthalate, or copolymers or mixtures thereof. "Copolymer" as used in the present invention means a polymer comprising two or more monomer components.

Various types of polyethylene, including low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene or copolymers or mixtures or blends thereof, are often compatible with toiletries and are a preferred material for the container of the present invention. . Low density polyethylene results in a bottle that is relatively easy to extrude, while high density polyethylene bottles are relatively stiff. For liquid products that are dispensed by pushing the container, a 50:50 blend of low density polyethylene and high density polyethylene is preferred. In the case of a powder that becomes a predetermined distribution state by shaking the container, a hard container made of high-density polyethylene is preferable.

The outer wall, ie, panel, first side, second
The thickness of the sides and the like can be a predetermined thickness, can vary within the container, and depends on the predetermined end use of the container and the contents stored therein. Preferably, the outer wall thickness ranges from about 10 mils to about 50 mils, preferably from about 30 mils to about 40 mils. Although its thickness is preferred to provide a resilient container, other wall thicknesses can be manufactured to meet specific needs and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

The method of forming the container of the present invention is based on, but is not limited to, conventional techniques for manufacturing containers known in the art, such as extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, stretch blow molding and the like. For details of the process, for example,
Wiley, pages 54-65, Extrusion blow molding is the
It is disclosed in the process of choice.

One of the notable properties of the container of the present invention is that
The container fits comfortably in the hands of both adults and small children. Another notable feature is that the container of the present invention allows the product to be dispensed using relatively weak hand force, which is preferred for small children and weak hand adults. Yet another notable property is that the inventive container incorporates a design feature that prevents the container from slipping from the user's hand, especially when the hand is wet. Yet another notable property of the inventive container is that the inventive container possesses a surface that can be easily printed and labeled.

We further define the upper closure sidewall 92
It has been found that the presence of the channel 90 allows the taper closure 85 to cool quickly and uniformly in the mold, and thus has fewer surface defects. This is because the resulting closure does not have a thick, solid material body and is composed of a thin outer wall of relatively constant thickness.

The invention appropriately disclosed by way of example in this specification can be practiced without members, elements or steps not specifically disclosed in this specification. The examples described below further illustrate the features of the present invention and the manner of practicing the invention. However, the invention should not be considered limited to its detailed description.

EXAMPLES Test Methods Used in the Examples (1) Dispensing Force Test: The force required to dispense the contents from the container, ie, the “dispensing force”, was determined by the force imaging technique (Forc
e Imaging Technologies), a thin (0.003 mm) flexible sensor strip that has little effect on test samples, software (uniform sensor system version 5), and the sensor on a personal computer for data acquisition. Single lab kit with both interfacing hardware (parallel port input / output version)
Measured using

A sensor strip with the appropriate force range (typically 0-10 pounds) was used as shown in FIG.
When dispensing the product from the container normally, it is attached to one of the panels of the sample container with a sensor attached where the user's thumb normally contacts the container. For an adult-sized hand, the thumb usually contacts the panel at a location between about 70% and about 80% of the length of the panel closest to the closed end 2 of the container. 1.25 seconds to 1.75 software
Set the record of time between seconds in data mode. Hold the container in the user's hand with the thumb on one side of the container and the other finger on the opposite side of the container. Hold the container in the vertical position with the thumb on the sensor. At this time, the distribution orifice is set to 600
Place it down on a beaker on a METTLER electronic balance. The container is then pushed by hand with sufficient force to open the valve and to dispense a standard amount of product in the container. The maximum force required to open the valve and deliver each quantity of product is output by a computer program. The operator manually tabulates the weight of the dispensed product and the value of the force.

After resetting the balance to zero, the above sequence was repeated to empty all the products in the container. The operator then uses the aggregated data to create a graph showing the force required to open the valve as a function of the cumulative amount of product dispensed from the container.

Experiment 1: Distribution Force Measurement As with the various commercial containers shown in Table 1 below, the force required to dispense the product from the container of the present invention was measured by the distribution force test described above. Each of the containers in Table 1 contains
A closure with a silicone dispensing valve available from aquist Closures, Mukwonago, Wisconsin, USA was fitted.

[0071]

[Table 1] No. for explanation of container type Product Container size (mL) Product source 1 Lever 2000 Body 354 Lever Bros. Wash 2 Vaseline Intensive 177 Cheeseborough- Care Moisturing Ponds Body Wash 3 Baby Magic 200 Mennen Moisturing Baby Bath 4 Soft Soap Gentle 354 Colgate-Palmolive Antibacterial Body Wash 5 Figure 4 Container of the present invention 100 shown in FIG. 6 Container of the present invention 200 shown in FIGS. 1, 10 and 11

All containers were packaged and purchased and replaced with water to eliminate inconsistencies caused by dispensing products of different viscosities. The measured values of these forces are shown in FIG.

It is clear from FIG. 16 that the container of the present invention requires minimal force to dispense (dispense) the product as compared to the other containers tested. Therefore, the containers of the present invention are the easiest for dispensing products by weak hands, such as small children and the elderly.

The following are preferred embodiments of the present invention. (1) The tapered closure according to claim 1, wherein the circumference of the upper surface is larger than the circumference of the bottom surface. (2) The tapered closure according to claim 1, further comprising a concentric channel interposed between the stage and the peripheral closure side wall. (3) The tapered closure according to embodiment (2), further comprising a hole in the channel. 4. The tapered closure of claim 1, wherein the taper angle is between about 85 ° and about 45 ° relative to a normal to the longitudinal axis of the closure.

(5) The tapered closure of claim 1, wherein said upper closure sidewall has a thickness from about 0.075 inches to about 0.015 inches. (6) The tapered closure according to claim 1, further comprising a lid attached to the outer peripheral closure side wall via attaching means. (7) The tapered closure according to the mode (6), wherein the attachment means is a first hinge. (8) The tapered closure according to embodiment (6), further comprising an underside, and further comprising an extension member attached to the outer peripheral closure side wall and the lid.

(9) A second hinge for integrally connecting the extension member and the lid, a plug integrated with the lower surface of the extension member,
The tapered closure according to claim (8), further comprising a hole in the upper stage surface, wherein the plug and the hole are arranged in a closure where the plug and the hole can be fitted. (10) The tapered closure according to embodiment (9), having a throat, and further comprising a distribution orifice through the upper stage surface. (11) The taper closure according to the mode (10), wherein the lid further includes a lower surface and a stopper integrally formed on the lower surface, and the closure is in a closed position when the stopper is fixed in the throat.

(12) The tapered closure according to the mode (10), further comprising a valve fixedly fitted to the throat. (13) The tapered closure according to claim 2, wherein the outer periphery of the upper surface is longer than the outer periphery of the bottom surface. (14) The tapered closure according to claim 2, further comprising a concentric channel interposed between the stage and the peripheral closure side wall. (15) The tapered closure according to claim 3, wherein the circumference of the upper surface is larger than the circumference of the bottom surface. The tapered closure of claim 3, further comprising a container, wherein the closure is adapted to fit into the container.

(17) The tapered closure of claim 1, further comprising a container, wherein the closure is adapted to fit into the container. The tapered closure of claim 2, further comprising a container, wherein the closure is adapted to fit into the container. (19) The method of claim 4, wherein the circumference of the top surface is greater than the circumference of the bottom surface. (20) The method according to claim 5, wherein the outer periphery of the upper surface is larger than the outer periphery of the bottom surface.

[0079]

As described above, according to the taper closure and the method of manufacturing the same according to the present invention, a container which can be easily fitted to the hands of both a small child and an adult and which can dispense (dispense) the contents with a minimum force is provided. Can be provided. Further, a container which is less slippery even when the hands are wet and which is convenient for storing mucus products can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred structure of the container of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the container of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the container of FIG. 1 showing cross-sectional lines AA to FF.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 as viewed from the direction of arrows along lines AA to FF.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a container used in the present invention having a means for gripping with a finger.

FIG. 6 is a view showing another embodiment of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the container of FIG. 1 fitted with a liquid distribution closure.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 fitted with a liquid distribution closure.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the container of FIG. 1 fitted with a liquid distribution closure.

FIG. 10 is a front view of FIG. 1 fitted with another inverted taper liquid distribution closure.

11 is an inverted front view of the container of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front view of FIG. 1 fitted with a closure having an aerosol pump dispenser.

FIG. 13 is a front view of another example of a container with a neck finish adapted for dispensing powder.

FIG. 14 shows the container of FIG. 13 fitted with a closure.

15A is a top view of the neck finish of the container of FIG. 13, and FIGS. 15B and 15C are views of the closure of the container of FIG. 14 showing the closure in an open position and a closed position, respectively. It is a front view.

FIG. 16 is a graph of the force (lbs) required to drain from a valved container of the present invention versus the volume of solution drained (ml).

FIG. 17 is a front view and a side view of a container used for packaging commercially available children's toiletries.

FIG. 18 is a side view of an inverted container supported by a support disposed in a recess of the container and not in contact with a panel of the container.

FIG. 19 illustrates a hand-held container of the present invention held in a position for dispensing product from the container.

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of the container of the present invention with an inverted tapered closure having a valve and a lid in an open position.

FIG. 21 shows the container of FIG. 20 with the lid in the closed position.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the closure of the container of FIGS. 20 and 21 with a lid in an open position and a closed position, respectively.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the tapered closure of the present invention with the lid in a closed position.

FIG. 24 is a left side view of the closure of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a right side view of the closure of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a top view of the closure of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the closure of FIG. 23, the back view of which is a mirror image.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the closure of FIG. 23.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 23 shown with the lid and extension in a fully open position.

FIG. 30 is a top view of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 29 shown with the lid in the open position.

FIG. 32 is a top view of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the closure as seen in the direction of the arrows along line A′-A ′ in FIG. 30.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the closure without a channel, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line A′-A ′ of FIG. 30.

35 (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a non-recessed stage, FIG. 35 (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of another non-recessed stage having a concave stage,
(C) and (d) are vertical cross-sectional views of another embodiment having recesses and channels of different widths.

FIG. 36 is a top view of another embodiment of a triangular and square closure, respectively.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure having a bar and a clasp lock mechanism.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having a snap-fit connection connecting the closure to the neck of the container.

FIG. 39 is a vertical cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an inverted channelless closure having a top circumference less than a bottom circumference.

FIG. 40 is a vertical cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a closure with an inverted channel having a top circumference less than a bottom circumference.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (71) Applicant 598039367 Grandview Road, Skillman, New Jersey 08558, United States of America (72) Inventor Stephen Jay Mohalii, Pennington, New Jersey, United States 08534 Avenue 111 (72) Inventor Craig M. Sounders United States, 44116 Ohio, Rocky River, Stratford Avenue 21 260 (72) Inventor Jessie Carlson United States, 44102 Ohio, Cleveland, Franklin Boulevard 4908 (72) Inventor Milton Earl Dallas 53120 United States Thomas Drive, East Troy, Wisconsin 1739

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A) a peripheral closure side wall further comprising an upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference; and a peripheral closure side wall further comprising a lower closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference. B) Concentric with said peripheral closure side wall. And a stage having an upper stage surface recessed from the upper surface. 2. a) a peripheral closure side wall further comprising an upper closure side wall further having an outer periphery and a lower closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having an outer periphery; b) coaxially integral with said peripheral closure side wall. And a stage having an upper stage surface recessed from the upper surface. 3. A) a peripheral closure side wall further comprising a top closure side wall having a circumference and a lower closure side wall further comprising a bottom side having a circumference; b) concentric with said peripheral closure side wall. A tapered closure comprising: an integrated stage; and c) a channel concentrically interposed between the stage and the peripheral closure sidewall. 4. A method of manufacturing a tapered closure, comprising: a) an upper closure sidewall further comprising a top surface having a circumference; and a peripheral closure sidewall further comprising a lower closure sidewall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference. And b) forming the closure under sufficient conditions with a mold capable of forming a closure having a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface recessed from the upper surface. How to have. 5. A method of manufacturing a tapered closure, comprising: a) a peripheral closure side wall further comprising an upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having an outer periphery; and a lower closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having an outer periphery. b) molding the closure under sufficient conditions in a mold capable of molding a closure having a stage concentric with the peripheral closure sidewall and having an upper stage surface recessed from the top surface. . 6. A method of manufacturing a tapered closure, comprising: a) a peripheral closure side wall further comprising an upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having an outer periphery; and a lower closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having an outer periphery. b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall; and c) a mold capable of molding a closure comprising the stage and a channel concentrically interposed between the stage and the peripheral closure side wall under sufficient conditions. A method comprising the step of molding a closure.