MXPA00007061A - Dispensing closure with integral locking switch and tamper evidency structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a dispensing closure for product packaging, having a closure body (20) that attaches to a container (34), and a toggle dispensing lid (24) with an integral locking switch (26) attached to the closure body (20). An integral frangible tab (72), which must be fractured before the closure can be used to dispense product, may be included for tamper evidence. The integral locking switch (26) has at least two living hinges (66a, 66b, 66c) so that it may be moved between locked and unlocked positions, thereby permitting movement of the dispensing lid (26) between closed and product dispensing positions.

Description

DISPATCH CLOSURE WITH INTEGRAL IMMOBILIZATION SWITCH AND VIOLATION EVIDENCE STRUCTURE TECHNICAL CAMP This invention relates in general to containers for dispensing products. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved dispenser closure having an integral switch to prevent opening of the closure and an integral feature of evidence of violation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the art, units for dispensing a liquid or solid product are known, for example, pills, hair shampoo, liquid soap, detergents and the like). Normally in these arrangements, a dispensing lid, which has a position for dispensing the product and a closed position, is pivotally attached to a closure body. In turn, the closure body can have a threaded structure for coupling with a mouth or a similar neck crown, located in the product storage container, such that the storage chamber is in product communication with the dispatch lid While previously available dispatchers may work well for the purposes for which they were designed, these dispatchers have disadvantages. For example, during shipping, storage and handling, a dispensing lid can move unnoticed to the shipping position, allowing spillage or other undesirable product leakage. This spill can cause the product not to be sold, to contaminate the surrounding environment and / or an inconvenience for later handling and use. In addition, some previous structures also allowed for the purposeful opening of the containers and contamination of the contents during shipment or storage, without the knowledge of the end user. In these and other circumstances, it would be desirable to provide an improved dispenser that has an immobilization mechanism to prevent inadvertent movement of the dispensing cap and a structure of evidence of violation, which are easy to use and manufacture and which do not add significant cost. to the container. Some prior ideas for preventing the movement of a dispensing lid to its shipping position include United States Patent No. 5,284,264 to Gross, which discloses a lid having a separate sliding safety unit. The lock unit engages a stop surface when it is in the secured position, thus preventing rotation of the cover towards its release position. When the insurance unit is moved to its unsecured position, it will be clear that the stop surface thus allows the lid to be turned towards its dispatch position. In U.S. Patent No. 5,205,424 to Gaspar, another example is observed, this illustrates a child resistant lid and a tank assembly having a lid with an internal locking means and a spring that pushes the lid to the closed position. When the dispenser is standing or vertical, a ball support is in obstructive contact with the lid, preventing its movement to the open position. If the dispenser is inclined at an angle, the ball support moves away from the obstructive contact with the lid, thereby allowing the lid to move to its dispensing position. Another embodiment reveals a slide rod that engages with the lid, thus preventing its rotation towards the dispatch position. Although these dispensers each provide a means to physically prevent accidental movement of the lid to the dispensing position, they require the supply and assembly or assembly of a multitude of individual parts, resulting in more complex packing and more costs. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an immobilization structure that is integrally formed with the lid and / or closure body, for simplicity and ease of manufacture., and that initially can function as a boarding insurance and that after this, can function in a repeatable way as travel insurance. It would be advantageous if this structure were child-proof and still easily manipulated by adults. In addition, a structure of evidence of violation (eg, an external visual seal and / or an indicator) to indicate whether the lid had previously been moved to the dispensing position during shipping, storage or handling would be desirable. It would be further advantageous, for simplicity and ease of manufacture, if this structure of evidence of violation were similarly formed in an integrated manner to the lid and / or closure body. The present invention provides an improved dispenser closure, which can accommodate the designs that have the simplicity and benefits and multifunctional features, described above, as it is child proof, easy to use for adults and without adding significant cost to the container.

ST MARIO OF THE INVENTION A dispenser closure is provided for dispensing a product from a container having a product storage chamber. The dispensing closure comprises a closure body, a dispensing cap having an upper lid surface and an integral immobilization switch. The closure body has an upper face with a skirt that hangs down, a passage and a connecting structure for connecting the body to the container, such that the container is in communication with the passageway. The dispensing closure is also provided with a mounting structure, preferably a pivot, to be movably connected to the dispensing lid, such that the lid can move selectively between the closed and dispensing positions. The dispensing lid has a discharge opening placed therein, so that when the dispensing lid is in its dispensing position, the discharge opening is in product communication with the passage of the closure body. The dispensing closure is also preferably provided with an integrally formed locking switch having a predetermined secured position with a first stable shape, wherein the lid is in an obstructive contact with an obstruction, in such a way that it is prevented from moving. to his office position. The locking switch also has a predetermined unsecured position, with a second stable shape, wherein the lid is practically free or clear of the obstruction, so that it can move towards its dispatch position. The obstruction may comprise a rib adjacent the skirt or a lower edge of a cut portion of the skirt. The rib may also be provided with a stop or stop to prevent unnoticed movement of the immobilization switch. In a preferred arrangement, the immobilization switch has a first live joint and a second live joint, both of which are integrally formed to the dispensing cap or to the closure body. Preferably, placed between the living joints there is a flexible member. In a more preferred arrangement, the immobilization switch comprises a third live link, a first switch member and a second switch member. The first switch member is positioned between the first and third live joints and is integral thereto, while the second switch member is positioned between the second and third live links and is integral thereto. Finally, the immobilization switch and / or closure body may be provided with a fragile or integral breakable tongue for evidence of violation. The fragile tongue may be placed between an extension and the lid surface or between a pair of fin members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with the claims that in a particular way and in distinctive form claim the present invention, it is considered that it will be better understood from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser closure manufactured in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure of Figure 1, taken along line 2-2 thereof, illustrating the dispensing cap in the closed position; Figure 2A is a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure of Figure 2, taken around the circle 2A thereof; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing closure of Figure 1, taken along line 2-2 thereof, illustrating the lid P1095 dispatcher in the dispatch position; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a closing body of a dispensing closure, as illustrated in Figure 1, shown, for clarity, without the dispensing lid; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a dispensing lid of the closure of Figure 1, wherein the immobilization switch includes three live joints and a frangible or breakable tongue; Figure 6 is a top plan view of the dispensing lid of Figure 5, illustrating the locking switch in its assured initial position; Figure 7 is a top plan view of the dispensing lid of Figure 5, illustrating the locking switch in its unsecured position; Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of the immobilization switch of the dispensing cap of the Figure 5; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a dispensing closure manufactured in accordance with the present invention, wherein the dispensing switch is integrally formed to the closure body and shown in the unsecured position; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the dispensing closure of Figure 9, wherein the locking switch is shown in its unsecured position; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a dispensing lid of the present invention, wherein the immobilization switch is provided with two live hinges and a breakable or brittle tongue; Figure 12 is a top plan view of the dispensing lid of Figure 11, illustrating the locking switch in its initial secured position; and Figure 13 is a top plan view of the dispensing lid of Figure 11, illustrating the locking switch in its unsecured position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the currently preferred embodiments of the invention, of which the examples are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers indicate the same elements in all the views. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing closure 20, manufactured in accordance with the present invention, comprising a closure body 22 and a dispensing cap 24 having an integral immobilization switch 26, which includes at least two live joints . The terms "integral" and "integrally", as used herein, will generally refer to a structure that is unitary with another structure and that is formed as part of this structure. The term "living joint", as used herein, will generally refer to an integral structure having a small cross-sectional area, when compared to the surrounding structure, so that the structure has the ability to bend at rotational form without significant degradation in its structural integrity (ie, having the ability of a repeated bending without cracking or without demonstrating in some other form, signs of fatigue). The closure body 22 preferably has an upper face 28 and a skirt 30, which generally hangs or hangs down from the periphery of the upper face 28. The skirt 30 may comprise a single continuous or rounded curve section or it can be defined by the interconnection of a multitude of walls of various configurations (e.g., straight, convex, concave, partially circular, partially elliptical or any combination thereof) to provide a uniquely pleasing appearance. As best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the dispenser closure 20 may be connected to a crown of the neck 32 extending upwardly of a similar bottle or container 34, having a product storage chamber 36. The crown of the neck 32 has an opening in product communication with the storage chamber 36 a string or thread can be provided so that the dispensing closure 20 can be connected to the container 34, although the other connection structures known in the art, such as the adjustments of pressure adjustment, welding interfaces of rotation or the like, are equally suitable for the connection of the two pieces. A dispensing opening 38 is provided through the lower cover 40 in the closure body 22 and is positioned in such a way that the dispensing opening 38 is placed in product communication with the product storage chamber 36. The closure cap 42 extends downward from the inner portion of the dispensing cap 24, such that it is sealingly engaged with the dispensing opening 38 when the lid 24 is in its closed position (Figure 2). When the dispensing lid 24 is rotated to its open position (Figure 3), the plug 42 rises and clears the dispensing opening 38, thus allowing the product to be dispensed. Referring now to Figure 4, there is defined a cavity recessed, at least partially, by the cover 40 and the opposite cover walls 44a and 44b, which extend upwardly from and around the cover 40, thereby providing the location Mounting for Dispensing Cap 24. Although illustrated as curved, the walls of the cover 44a and 44b may have any of a variety of configurations (e.g., straight, convex, concave, elliptical or any combination thereof) . The front and rear part of the cavity can be at least partially defined and closed by the portions of the skirt 30. A reduced portion of the skirt 30 is preferably located on one side of the cavity to facilitate the user access to the immobilization switch 26. and is defined by the reduced edge 46. Furthermore, the reduced edge 46 and / or the rib 48 (Figure 2A) can define an obstruction of the immobilization switch for the purposes that will be described later in greater detail. The cavity must be sized to admit the dispensing lid 24, such that the lid 24 can be moved (eg by pivoting) between a closed position (Figure 2) and a dispensing position.

(Figure 3). The cover walls 44a and 44b preferably include pivot recesses 50a and 50b or similar mounting structures, which cooperate with the knobs 52a and 52b (Figure 5) in the lid 24. When engaged, the recesses P1095 for pivot 50a and 50b and knobs 52a and 52b are pivotally aligned along an axis (e.g., axis A of Figure 5), generally transverse to lid 24 and around which the lid can pivot. 24. As best illustrated in Figure 5, the dispensing lid 24 has an integral locking switch 26, an upper lid surface 54 and a lid wall 56 that generally hangs down from the periphery of the lid top surface. 54. The dispensing lid 24 further includes a passage or discharge opening 58 that communicates with the opening 38 and allows the user to ship product out of the shipping closure 20 when in the open or dispatch position. The dispensing lid 24 can be provided with lid projections 60a and 60b (Figure 5) that can be coupled with the lid depressions 62a and 62b (Figure 4), thus preventing inadvertent opening of the lid 24 to its dispensing position. . The cap projections 60a and 60b provide only a slight engagement with the cap depressions 62a and 62b, which can be easily overcome by the force a user would exert to move the dispensing cap 24 to the dispensing position. The immobilization switch 26 of the present invention can be provided in a variety of P1095 forms and structures and can be formed as part of the dispensing cap 24, as part of the closure body 22 or as part of both. Preferably, the closing switch 26 is in an obstructive contact with an obstruction, such as the rib 48 in Figure 2A, in the secured position, thereby preventing the lid 24 from moving to its dispensing position without the after actuation of the switch 26. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the reduced edge 46 of the locking switch 26 may be in an obstructive contact with the rib 48. As shown in Figure 2A, the edge 64 would have to clear to the rib 48 in order to move the lid 24 to the dispatch position. Alternatively, the locking switch 26 may be provided with a rearwardly extending structure (not shown), which is in an obstructive contact with the edge 46 of the closure body 22, when the locking switch 26 is in its secured position; in this case, the rib 48 would be absent. When the switch 26 moves to its unlocked position, the obstruction would have to clear to the edge 46, so that the lid 24 can move towards the dispatch position. As best seen in Figures 6 and 7, a preferred arrangement of the immobilization switch 26 is shown, having three live joints 66a, 66b and 66c. The immobilization switch 26 preferably has a first stable shape (Figure 6), in which it is supplied and a second stable form (Figure 7), in which it is placed, by the way, in the corresponding positions secured and unsecured , respectively. The phrase "stable form", as used herein, is intended to refer to a position of the immobilization switch 26 that can be maintained without the application of any external force. While it is thought that the action of the bistable locking switch 26 will be understandable to those of ordinary skill in the art, for integrity and clarity, a general description of the bistable operation of the illustrated modes will be provided. As illustrated in Figure 8, the live joints are areas of reduced "T" thickness along the switch 26. The portions of the switch 26 between the joints have effective lengths Lx and L2, as shown. The length L3 is the approximate distance between the living joints 66a and 66c. Live joints also have "R" joint radii. Ll plus L2 must be equal to a length greater than L3. This difference in length should not be so great that the switch 26, when moving from the secured position to P1095 the uninsured, suffer permanent damage; however, the length difference must be large enough so that the switch maintains the unsecured position when the user releases the applied force therefrom. As the switch is pushed forward and Ll and L2 are aligned in a straight line, switch 26 goes into compression. The natural tendency of the material at that point will be to want to jump back into a position of relief, with the release of the force applied by the user, which releases the internal compressive forces. Before a certain point during the drive, that relief or release position will be its original position (as shown in Figure 8). Beyond that certain point during actuation, the relief or release position will be the position shown in Figure 7. In the position of Figure 7, the outer surface 68 of the switch 26 will be in compression and the inner surface 70 of the switch 26 will be in tension, although the main compressive forces inside the switch body will be released and this will allow the switch to maintain its position. The lock switch 26 will retain this position until force is applied in the opposite direction to again place the switch in the secured position or, as supplied. In another preferred arrangement, the locking switch 26 may be provided with an integral structure of evidence of violation to alert the user of the dispensing closure 20 of whether the dispensing lid 24 may have been moved to the shipping position, during shipping, storage or management. The fragile tongue 72 (Figure 8) is preferably located between the fin members 74a and 74b and is integral thereto, and has a reduced cross-sectional area location (or other tension-attracting configurations, such as perforations or the like). ), such that when the force is first applied to the locking switch 26, the tongue 72 will fracture thereby allowing movement of the locking switch 26 from the secured position to the unsecured position. Preferably, the tongue 72 is broken or fractured, so that it does not interfere with the return movement of the locking switch 26 to its secured position. As shown in Figure 11, the frangible tab 72 can also be integrally connected between the lock switch 26 and the surface 54, so that it can fracture by compression the first time the switch is pushed. Once the tab 72 breaks, it provides a physical indication and PX09S visual of the fact that the seal of inviolability has been broken. The fragile tongue 72 can also work in cooperation with other structures of evidence of violation, such as cellophane seals and the like. In addition, the fragile tongue 72 can be formed from a material whose color changes when subjected to deformation or fracture, such as a dark pigmented plastic. This feature would advantageously help the evidence of violation function. As best illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, another preferred embodiment may be provided, wherein the locking switch 26 is integrally formed with the closure body 22, instead of the dispensing cover 24. In this arrangement, the switch 26 has a secured position "as supplied" with a stable first shape, as best seen in the Figure 9. The projections 76a and 76b act as the obstruction to the movement of the lid 24 towards the dispensing position. As the switch 26 pulls out, it will reach a point where it will maintain its unsecured position, as described above and, as shown in the Figure . The projections 76a and 76b are clear of the inner surface of the lid 24 when the locking switch 26 is in the unsecured position (Figure 10), so that the dispensing lid 24 can now be rotated to its dispensing position. Evidence of violation can also be provided by a fragile tongue similar to the one described above. As best illustrated in Figures 11 to 13, another preferred embodiment of the present invention may be provided, wherein the immobilization switch 26 includes only two live joints. This works as described above, with the exception that the switch body retains more flexibility without the fin structure shown in Figure 8 and, thereby, switch 26 will retain the unsecured position without the need for a third live joint. . As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the frangible tab 72 may be integrally formed between the upper lid surface 54 and the extension 78, such that the switch 26 can not move from the secured position without fracturing or breaking of any another way to the fragile tongue 72. The extension 78 is integrally molded with the switch 26 and is positioned so that it can pass without significant interference either above or below the top surface of the lid 54 when the immobilization switch 26 moves from a secured position to an unsecured position or vice versa. The fragile tongue 72 is preferably integrally formed to both the extension 78 and the upper lid surface 54, so that it will fracture when placed in compression, by a force applied to the locking switch 26. Preferably, the closure body 22, the dispensing lid 24 and the immobilization switch 26 are formed from plastic or the like. More preferably, for economy and ease of manufacture, they can be manufactured by injection molding, although other methods such as plastic, adhesive or mechanical welding of the separately constructed parts may also be suitable. The immobilization switch 26 can also be used repeatedly as a travel insurance, to reduce the risk of inadvertent movement of the lid 24 towards its dispatching position during handling, travel, etc. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible by those skilled in the art and are contemplated in light of the above teachings and the described modalities were chosen and described to better illustrate the principles of the invention and their practical application and, of course P1095 which in this way enables the use of the invention in various modalities and with various modifications, as adapted to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

P1095

Claims (8)

1. CLAIMS; 1. A dispensing closure for selectively dispensing a product from a container having a product storchamber, the closure comprising: a closure body having an upper portion, a skirt hanging downwardly from the upper portion, passextending through the upper portion and a connecting structure for connecting the closure body to the container and thereby placing the passin product communication with the product storchamber of the container; a dispensing cap having a discharge opening in communication of product with the passof the closure body, the dispensing cap is connected with the closure body, so that it can be dispensed to provide the closed and release positions of the dispensing cap, - characterized by an immobilizing switch integrally formed with the dispensing closure, having a predetermined secured position, wherein the dispensing cap is prevented from moving to its dispensing position and a predetermined unassured position, where the dispensing cap can be moved to his office position. P1095 2. A dispenser closure according to claim 1, wherein the immobilization switch further comprises at least two live joints. 3. A dispenser closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the immobilization switch is integrally formed with the dispensing cap. 4. A dispenser closure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the immobilization switch is integrally formed with the closure body. A dispenser closure according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a fragile tab integrally formed with the immobilization switch, so as to prevent activation of the immobilization switch. A dispensing closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing cap is pivotally connected to the closure body. A dispenser closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the immobilization switch has a first stable shape when the immobilization switch is in the secured position. P1095 8. A dispenser closure according to claim 7, wherein the immobilization switch has a second stable form when the immobilization switch is in the unsecured position. P1095