MXPA98001845A - T - Google Patents

Abstract

A tap lid having a peripheral side cap wall and a platform concentrically integral with the peripheral side cap wall, why the circumfce of the top surface is preferably greater than the circumfce of the bottom surface, and the platform is sunken and / or a channel runs between the platform and the peripheral side wall of the lid. A method for forming such a ta is also provided

Description

TOP REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUEST This application claims the benefit of the request * provisional of the United States No. 60 / 058,296, filed on September 9, 1997, and is a continuation in part of the US application No. (case of attorney-in-fact No. '9 JBP 419), submitted on January 21, 1998 to Mohary and 10 co-inventors, entitled "Dispenser Container", both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the field of lids for containers and, more particularly, to tapered lids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The vast majority of dispensing containers currently in use are sized for use by adults. Young children have much smaller hand sizes and, consequently, it is difficult for them to effectively handle and dispense the product from containers that were designed to be used by adults. Conversely, it would be difficult for an adult to use a dispensing container that 'ßr was designed specifically for use by young children. Another problem related to conventional containers is that they are designed to dispense products for adults; that is, the amount of force required to "Squeezing the product from the container is directly related to the strength of the adult's hand. Children and 4 the elderly, who are weaker than most of the adults, have less force available to dispense products Therefore, it would be convenient for a container to have a required dispensing force so that the container would be preferred by those who lack much manual force. In conventional packaging for toilet products, The products are often packaged for storage in an upright orientation, that is, in which the closed end of the container is oriented below its open end, as when the container is placed when it is being filled with the product it will contain. . While said products are often stored in an upright configuration, often dispensing the product from the container in an inverted orientation. The containers typically have a certain residue, that is, a volume of product that is not conveniently dispensed due to the contact with the walls of the container. The amount of residue is accentuated in the containers in which the product ~ w is stored in an orientation and used in the opposite orientation. This problem is further accentuated in the case of viscous products, such as shampoo. Another problem with conventional containers is that they can slide off the hands, particularly when they are * wet hands. This is especially a problem for toilet bowl containers, which are typically used in the bathroom by young children, for example, shampoos and body products. 10 A lid design that is particularly suitable for providing inverted packages, with a stable platform, is the tapered lid. However, due to the geometry of those covers, their manufacture is inherently difficult. More specifically, those lids must remain in their molds for a prolonged period, in order to completely cool their thicker areas, or if they are ejected prematurely from the mold, said lids will frequently form ^^ W ~ "recesses" or irregular depressions in their outer surface. Accordingly, it is an object of the invention provide a dispensing container that is designed to fit comfortably in the hands of both small children and adult hands. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container that requires a minimum of force to to dispense products from it, so that it is preferred for use by those who lack much manual force.

It is another object of the invention to provide containers with design aspects that do not allow the container to slip out of the user's hands, particularly when their hands are wet. 5 Another objective of the present invention is to provide * a container that is stable for storage in an inverted configuration, so as to minimize the residue of container contents, particularly when used to store viscous liquid products. It is also an object of the invention to provide a container that is ergonomically effective for use by children and adults, while at the same time containing surfaces that facilitate the placement of labels in the container. A further object of the invention is to provide a tapered lid with minimal surface defects, which allows the containers containing said caps to be stored in an inverted position. E ^ * ' BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention there is provided a tapered lid comprising, consisting essentially of, and / or consisting of: a) a peripheral side wall of cover comprising a 2J5 top side wall of lid and a bottom side wall of lid; further comprising the upper side wall of "ßS covers an upper surface having a circumference, and the lower side wall of the cover further comprising a lower surface having a circumference, and 5 b) a platform concentrically integral with the wall. * peripheral side of lid and having a top surface of step that is sunken with respect to the surface 4 superior. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a cover 0 tapered comprising, consisting essentially of and / or consisting of: a) a peripheral side cap wall comprising an upper side cap wall and a lower cap side wall; further comprising the upper side wall of covers an upper surface having a perimeter; and the lower side wall of the lid further comprising a lower surface having a perimeter; and b) a step, concentrically integral with the peripheral side wall of the lid, and having a top surface of step, which is sunken with respect to the upper surface. Yet another aspect of this invention is directed to a tapered cap comprising, consisting essentially of and / or consisting of: a) a peripheral side cap wall comprising a top side cap wall and a bottom side wall -B lid; the upper lid side wall further comprising an upper surface having a circumference; and the lower side wall of the lid further comprising a lower surface having a circumference; 5 b) a platform, concentrically integral with the wall _? peripheral side of cap; and c) a channel between the platform and the peripheral side wall of the lid, and concentric with them. jflf Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for forming lids, comprising, consisting essentially of and / or consisting of: molding the lid under sufficient conditions, in a mold capable of forming a lid, containing: a) a peripheral side wall of lid , which comprises a upper lid side wall and one lower side lid wall; the upper lid side wall further comprising an upper surface having a circumference and the lower side side wall further comprising a lower surface having a circumference; 20 b) a platform, concentrically integral with the peripheral side wall of the lid and having a step top surface that is sunken with respect to the top surface. Still another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for forming lids, comprising, consisting essentially of, and / or consisting of: V mold the lid under sufficient conditions, in a mold capable of forming a lid, which contains: a) a peripheral side wall of lid comprising a top side wall of lid and a bottom side wall of cover; further comprising the upper side wall ? of cover an upper surface having a perimeter, and the lower side wall of the cover further comprising a lower surface having a perimeter; and WÉ b) a platform that is concentrically integral with the wall peripheral side of lid and having a top surface of step that is sunken with respect to the top surface. Yet another additional aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for forming lids, comprising, consisting essentially of, and / or consisting of: molding the lid under sufficient conditions in a mold capable of forming a lid, containing : a) a peripheral side cap wall, comprising a top side cap wall and a bottom side wall of lid; the upper lid side wall further comprising an upper surface having a perimeter, and the lower side wall of the lid further comprising a lower surface having a perimeter; b) a platform concentrically integral with the peripheral side wall 25, and having a step top surface; Y * c) a channel between the platform and the peripheral side wall of the lid, and concentric with them. Due to the unique characteristics of the tapered lid of the present invention, the percentage of lids having superficial "depressions" or other surface defects, as well as the cycle time of the production of lids, is significantly reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more fully understood and other additional advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure IA is a front plan view of a preferred structure of the container of this invention. Figure IB is a side plan view of the container of Figure IA. Figure IC is a front plan view of the container of Figure IA, showing the cut lines A-A to F-F. Figures 2A to 2F are horizontal section views of the container of Figure IC, taken along lines A-A to F-F, respectively, and looking in the direction of the arrows. Figure 3A and Figure 3B are plan views t front of containers of this invention having means for digital grip. Figure 4 is an alternative embodiment of the container of Figure IA. 5 Figure 5A, Figure 5B and Figure 5C are views "On the front, side and rear floor, respectively, of the container of Figure IA, equipped with a liquid dispensing cap. -Mtt > Figure 6A is a front plan view of the container of Figure IA, equipped with an alternative lid for liquid, with reverse taper. Figure 6B is a front plan view of the container of Figure 6A, in an inverted orientation. Figure 7 is a front plan view of the container of Figure IA, equipped with a lid containing an aerosol pump dispenser. Figure 8 is a front plan view of another example of the container of the invention, with a neck end adapted to dispense powders. Figure 9 is the container of Figure 8, equipped with a lid. Figure 10A is a top plan view of the neck end of the container of Figure 8. Figure 10B and Figure 10C are plan views. of the lid of the container of figure 9, showing the lid in the open position and in the closed position, respectively. Figure 11 is a graph of the force (in kg) required to discharge liquid from the valve vessel of this invention, against the volume (in ml) of liquid 5 discharged. , Figure 12A and Figure 12B are front and side views, respectively, of a commercially available container for packing toilet products for children, JV- Figure 13 shows a side view of the container of the invention, in an inverted position, supported by supports or supports arranged in the depressions of the container, but not in contact with the panels of the container. Figure 14 shows a container of the invention held in the hand, in a position to dispense product 15 from the container. Figure 15A shows another embodiment of the container of the invention with a reverse taper cover, containing a valve and a cover in the open position. Figure 15B shows the container of Figure 15A 20 with the cover in the closed position. Figure 16A and Figure 16B show the lid of the container of Figure 15A and of Figure 15B in section, with the cover in the open position and in the closed position, respectively. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the tapered lid of the present invention, with the cover in position * 9l closed. Figure 18 is a left side elevational view of the lid of Figure 17. Figure 19 is a right side elevation view 5 of the lid of Figure 17. Figure 20 is a top plan view of the lid of Figure 17. Fig. 17. FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the Fig. 17 of Fig. 17; the rear elevation being a mirror image of the latter. Fig. 22 is a bottom plan view of the lid of Fig. 17. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the lid of Fig. 17, shown with the cover and the extension member in the fully open position. Figure 24 is a top plan view of Figure 23. Figure 25 is a perspective view of the lid of Figure 23, shown with the cover in the open position 20. Figure 26 is a top plan view of Figure 23. Figure 27 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view of the lid, taken along the line A '-A' of Figure 24, and looking in the direction of the arrows. Figure 28 is a vertical section view of the lid, taken following the line A '-A' of figure 24, and looking in the direction of the arrows, but in the absence of a channel. Fig. 29A is a vertical sectional view of the lid shown in an alternative embodiment, with a non-sunken platform. Figure 29B is a sectional view of the lid shown in an alternative embodiment, without channel, having a sunken platform. Figures 29C and 29D are alternative embodiments having both a sunken platform and a channel of variable width. Figures 30A and 30B are top views of alternative embodiments of the lid, which are triangular and square in shape, respectively. Figure 31 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the lid, which has a locking and locking mechanism. Figure 32 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the lid, which has a jump fitting connector portion, which connects the lid to a neck of a container. Figure 33 is a vertical sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an inverted lid, without channel, having an upper surface circumference that is smaller than the circumference of its lower surface. Figure 34 is a vertical sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an inverted lid, having a channel and an upper surface circumference that is smaller than the circumference of its lower surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As used herein, the term "upright orientation" will mean that the closed end of the container is below the open end of the container, as when the container is placed as it is filled with the product to be contained therein. Conversely, the term "inverted orientation" will mean that the closed end of the container is located above the open end. Similarly, the term "lateral orientation" will mean that the container is in an orientation that is between the upright and inverted orientations. This guidance description is used merely for convenience in describing the orientation of the container, and is not intended to imply the orientation of the container during storage or the supply of products from it. Subsequently, various embodiments of the containers of the invention will be described which can be used in either upright or inverted orientation. The basic form of the invention is shown by the container in an upright orientation in Figures IA, IB and ÍC, which is designated in its generality with the number 6. The container 6 contains an open end 1 and a closed end 2, the closed end 2 of the container 6 preferably has a surface 21 that allows the container 6 to remain standing when placed on a flat surface in an upright orientation. The open end 1 of the container 6 contains a neck 3 defining an opening 20 in the container. The neck contains a neck end 4, adapted to cooperate with a lid (not shown) for the container. The neck end shown in Figures 1A and IB is a threaded end, although any other end known in the art can be used with the containers of the invention. By way of example, other suitable ends include, but are not limited to: a snap-fit end, a snap-fit end, a spin-and-turn end or an oriented thread end, such as those described, for example , in The Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology, 172-85 (1986) (hereinafter referred to as "Wiley"). The open end 1 of the container 6 further comprises a shoulder 5, which connects the neck 3 to the body 22 of the container. The body 22 of the container contains an upper body portion 7, adjacent to the open end 1 which, preferably, has a cylindrical section. The upper body portion 7 of the container 6 preferably has a circumference, when measured normal to the longitudinal axis 23 of the container 6, which may vary from about 119.38 mm to about 152.4 mm, better still, from about 127 mm to about of 144.78 mm and, what is more preferred, of around 132.08 mm to about 144.78 mm. The upper portion 7 body preferably has a substantially constant circumference in a section along the longitudinal axis of the container 6 of at least about 5.08 mm. As illustrated in FIG. IA, the upper body portion 7 makes a transition to the central body portion 8, which is located below and close to the upper body portion 7, along the longitudinal axis 23. In effecting the transition from the upper body portion 7 to the central portion 8, the container 6 continuously increases in circumference and begins to assume a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Following along the longitudinal axis of the container 6, the circumference of the container continues to increase to the region of maximum circumference 9, after which preferably the circumference of the container 6 decreases continuously. The region of maximum circumference marks the transition from the central body portion 8 to the lower body portion 10 of the container 6, adjacent to its closed end 2. While the longitudinal dimension of the upper body portion 7, of the central portion 8 of body and lower body portion 10 may vary depending on the intended use of the container, the proportion of the lengths of the central body portion with respect to the upper body portion preferably ranges from about 1.2: 1 to about of 6: 1; better yet, it varies from around 1.75: 1 to and around 5: 1. The ratio of the lower body portion to the upper body portion preferably ranges from about 1: 1 to about 3: 1 and, better still, from about 1.2: 1 to about 2.5: 1. The variation of the cross-sectional shape and the circumference of the container 6 along its longitudinal direction is illustrated in Figures 2A to 2F. Each of these figures illustrates the approximate forms of cross section iB of the container 6, following the cut lines A-A to FF, respectively, which are illustrated in Figure 1C It has been unexpectedly discovered that the variation in the circumference of the container, along the longitudinal axis of the upper body portion 7, allows the same container to be ergonomically advantageous for be used by small children, be held comically and used by older children and adults. As shown in Figures 1A and IB, the body portion 22 of the container 6 comprises a front 11, a rear or rear 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14. The front 11 of the container contains a first depression 15 and the rear part of the container contains a second depression 16, The depressions are adjacent the closed end 2 and the first side 13 and the second side 14 of the container 6. first depression 15 and the second depression 16 define a first panel 17 and a second panel 18, on the front and on the rear of the container, respectively. Each of the depressions has a depth 19 which is shown in Figure IB. The depth of the depression 15, for example, is the distance, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, from a projection line 21, projected from the closed end 2 of the container 6, to the panel 17 of the container. As shown in Figure 13, the depression has a sufficient depth to allow the container 6 to be supported by a first support 71, located tangentially in the depression 15, in the front 11 of the container 6, and a second support 72, located in the depression 16 of the rear part 12 of the container 6, when the container is in an inverted orientation; the braces do not actually contact the panels of the container. It has surprisingly been found that the depth of these depressions is effective to provide an anti-slippery appearance to the container, when the container is being operated both in the inverted orientation and in a lateral orientation, particularly when the container is wet, as it could be. occur when used to contain and dispense toilet products for cleaning, such as body cleaners and shampoos, which are used in the shower or in the bathroom. The depth of the depression can be of any desired thickness and may depend, for example, on the final use to which the container is intended, and on the contents stored therein. Preferably the depth of the depression is varied f at different points of the container and it is more preferred that they be the deepest ones close to the closed end 2 of the container, and that they be gradually reduced in the longitudinal direction, towards the open end 2, and close to the first side 13 and the second side 14 It is preferred that the depth of the depressions vary from about 2.0 mm to about 3.4 mm and, better yet, from about 2.5 mm to about 2.9 mm. While such depths are preferred for providing a container having effective anti-slip properties, it should be understood that other depths of depression may be produced to satisfy a particular need, and yet be within the scope of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the depressions are not adjacent to the open end of the container and, in such a way, constitute an outer "U-shaped" frame for the panels. The absence of a depression near the open end 1 allows users of the container to freely slide their hands substantially along the first and second panels, from the bottom of the 0 panels, closer to the closed end 2 of the container, to the open end 1 of the container, looking for that portion of the container having a circumference that is most suitable for the user's hand size. It is believed that the dimensions and structural aspects of the containers of the invention, enumerated above, allow the containers of the present invention are easily attached and easily handled by both adults and young children, in an ergonomically preferable manner. As will be discussed subsequently, it is believed that these dimensions and aspects count for the perceived preference of consumers, in terms of operability of the containers of the invention with respect to the prior art containers. As illustrated in Figures 1A and IB, the panels 17 and 18 are sunken with respect to the sides 13, 14, and the closed end 2 of the container. While the size, shape and geometry of the panels may vary, depending on the end use desired for the container, it is preferred that the first panel 17 and the second panel 18 be of identical size, shape and geometry. The panels have the largest dimension in the direction from the open end 1 to the closed end 2 of the container, i.e. in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 23 of the container; and the smaller dimension in direction from the first side to the second side of the container; that is, generally normal to the longitudinal axis 23. The length of the panel is defined as the distance from that point of the depression 15 closest to the bottom of the container 24, ie, the point 30, to the upper part 29 of the upper portion. 7 of container body. The panels 17, 18 have surfaces 27 and 28 that can be substantially planar or curved. If the surfaces of panels are curved, it is preferred that the curve extends only in one dimension, and that it be substantially straight in the other dimension. For example, the container of the invention illustrated in Figures IA and IB has panels 17, 18 which are curved in their minor dimension, but which are substantially straight in their greatest dimension. Better yet, the panels are substantially straight in their largest dimension at a distance, based on the longitudinal extent of the panel, of at least about 50% of its length, and still better, at a distance of at least about 65 percent of its length. It has been found that this panel geometry is especially favorable to allow the placement of labels and decoration of the container in its panel sections, either by printing or by adhering a label with adhesive backing, to the container. In case of printing, the absence of curvature in two dimensions, in a substantial portion of the panel, allows firm contact of a printing roller with that portion of the panel. Similarly, in the case of adhesive label placement, the absence of two-dimensional curvature in a substantial portion of the panel allows a label to adhere to the panel without creasing the label. Figures 3A and 3B show alternative embodiments of the containers of the invention, in which the containers have raised, optional side projections 25 or collapses 26 on their sides, in order to provide f means for increasing the grip of a user's fingers around the container. Alternatively, the containers of the invention may contain a combination of both projections and subsidence. While Figures 3A and 3B 5 illustrate only lateral projections and circular subsidence, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the container of the present invention may possess projections, subsidence and / or other means of increasing grip, such as rubber sections. or polymer, molded or adhered to container, of any shape, size and quantity, in order to increase the user's grip on the container. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the container of Figures IA and IB, wherein the contained volume of the container of Figure 4 is approximately half of the contained volume of the container of Figures 1A and IB. In another embodiment of the present invention, the container 6 of the present invention is equipped with a lid 39 for containing and dispensing the products contained in him. Whoever is skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the type of lid suitable for use in the present invention would depend on various factors, such as the shape of the product of the container, the desired shape in which the product is to be dispensed and the degree to which the product is to be dispensed. of convenience that should be provide for the consumer. Any of the caps known in the art can ^ to be used with the containers of the present invention, including, but not limited to, those described, for example, in Wiley. In the case of containers used to store and dispensing liquids, the simplest form of cap would be a cap . conventional, built in one piece, which must be removed from the container in order to dispense a product from it; however, the use of a lid that does not have to be removed jÉk. of the container, in order to dispense a product from it, is the preferred. An example of a container 6, equipped with a lid 39 for dispensing liquid products, is illustrated in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, which illustrate the container of Figures IA and IB equipped with a commercial hinge cover. Other suitable covers 15 include those well known in the art including, but not limited to: 1) those containing a cover and a body, wherein the cover is completely removable from the body of the cover; 2) those that have a cover that is slidably connected to the body of the * 20 cover; 3) those that do not have a cover, such as those of the push and pull type; and covers of the pivotable spigot type, such as those described, for example, in Wiley. The cover 39 comprises a body portion 31 and a cover portion 32, connected loosely to the portion of body, by means of a hinge 33. Body portion 31 contains a hole (not shown) through which it can be * ^ J ^. dispense the product. The cover portion 32 contains a dowel pin on its underside (not shown) that is dimensioned to fit snugly within the bore of the body portion 31. When the cover portion 32 is in its closed position, the pin makes contact with the body portion 31, so as to seal the container and, thus, prevent its contents from being dispensed. The body portion 31 may contain an optional depression 34, in order to allow dfc to easily open the closure, by placing a finger on the depression 34, below a portion of cover 35 and, * Subsequently, force is applied to the underside of the cover. The lid 39 has a base 36 adjacent the upper body portion of the container and an upper part 37, 15 remote from the base 36. The lid 39 has a substantially uniform circular circumference from its base 36 to its upper part 37, which is substantially equal to the circumference of a upper body portion of the container. Another novel aspect of the present invention is # 20 illustrated in Figures 5A-5C. The cover 39 preferably has an upper surface 38 which allows the container to be stored in an inverted orientation. When the contents of the container are exhausted, the fact that the container is stored in the inverted orientation allows the contents remnants of the container meet at the open end of the container, instead of at its closed end, allowing - ^^ that way the supply of substantially all of the contents of the container, and virtually eliminating the problem of "residual contents" in the more viscous contents. Preferably both the closed end of the container and the upper end of the lid have surfaces that allow the container to be stored in the upright orientation or in the inverted orientation. Another embodiment of the container of the present invention is shown in an upright and inverted orientation or in Figures 6A and 6B, respectively. The lid 40 has a base 41, adjacent to the upper body portion of the container, and an upper end 42, remote from the base 41. The base 41 has a substantially circular circumference, which is substantially equal to the circumference of the portion 5. upper 7 of container body. The lid 40 is tapered, so that the circumference of the lid increases from the base 41 to the upper end 42 of the lid. The degree of taper may vary, depending on the desired end use of the container and the desired aesthetic effect. The lid 40 has a top surface 43 that allows the container to be stored in an inverted orientation. The larger circumference at the upper end of the tapered lid confers greater stability to the container, when stored in an inverted orientation. In another preferred embodiment, the lid used in the containers of the invention may contain a valve, such as illustrated in Figure 15A. Illustrative examples of valves suitable for use in the containers of the invention include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,439,143, 4,749,108 and 4,846,810, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. , as reference. Said valves are generally designed to open at pressures exceeding a certain threshold pressure, thereby allowing product to be released from the container; and to close at pressures below the threshold pressure, thereby restricting the release of product from the container. The minimum value of the threshold pressure of the valve is dictated by the need for the valve to retain the contents of the container when the contents of the container exhibit the maximum column pressure, that is, when the container is full. The column pressure of the contents of the container, in turn, depends on the density of the contents and the geometry of the container. In practice, the minimum threshold pressure is somewhat higher than the column pressure, in order to accommodate the slight pressure changes that may occur in the container when it is handled and the contents are not to be discharged. The maximum value of the threshold pressure is dictated by the need to have the valve open when the container is tightened by any of the users to whom it is intended. In the containers of the invention the valves must be activatable not only by adults but also by children and / or elderly people, who have relatively less manual force. With containers made of elastic materials, the application of a clamping force to the exterior of the container 5 provides a pressure inside the container that exceeds the threshold pressure, thereby allowing product to be released from the container. By discontinuing or reducing the clamping force sufficiently, the pressure inside the container is reduced below the threshold pressure, thereby restricting the release of product from the container. This aspect is particularly important for applications in which the container will be used frequently in inverted orientation. Figures 15A and 15B and Figures 16A and 16B show a container of the invention with an inverse taper cover 85 containing a cover 84 and a valve 80. The cover 84 is hingedly connected to the extension member 86, by means of the hinge 83. The cover 84 contains a plug 82 in its bottom side that mates with the Hole Ring 81 projecting from the lid 85. When in use and in a position ready to dispense product, the cover 84 is in the retracted position shown in Figure 15A. During storage and during shipment, the cover 84 is in the closed position shown in FIG. figure 15B. When in the closed position, the plug 82 on the underside of the cover 84 is engaged with the ring 81.

J protruding hole, thereby preventing reversal of the valve 80 and the release of product therefrom. The cap 85 has a circumference at its bottom 68, adjacent to the upper body portion of the container, which is substantially equal to the circumference of the upper body portion of the container. The lid 85 is tapered; the circumference at its upper end 87 is greater than in its * bottom 88. The larger circumference at the upper end 84 of ¡ß the lid 85, provides greater stability to the container when saves in reverse orientation. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 17-27, the upper portion of the tapered lid 85 has a platform 91, a channel 90 concentric therewith, which extends around the outer circumference of the platform 91, and peripheral, top, lid side walls 92, concentric with platform 91 and with channel 90. Upper lid side walls 92 extend around the outer circumference of channel 90. As shown with greater detail in figure 27, platform 91 comprises a step top surface 113; lateral peripheral step walls 114, which are concentric with the upper step surface 113, and integral with the upper step surface 113, and the lower side walls 108 of the lid; and a lower surface 97 of step. The upper side walls 92 of step they extend from the upper surface 93 of the lid to the lower part of the channel 90, or in the modes that have no channel, to the upper surface 113 of the step. Typically, the height of the upper lid side walls 92, as determined along the longitudinal axis A of the lid, shown in Fig. 18, may vary, based on the total height of the lid H, as shown in Figure 21, from more than about 0 percent, to less than about 100%, preferably from more than about 20% to less than about 90% and, better still, from more than about 50% up to less than around 70%. While the thickness of the lid side walls 92 may vary depending on the size of the desired lid, the desired impact strength on the lid and the amount of time available for the lid to properly cool when molded, the thickness typically can vary from about 0.35 mm to about 2.03 mm, preferably from about 0.76 mm to about 1.52 mm; and better yet, from about 1.02 mm to about 1.27 mm. While the width of the channel 90 may vary depending on the size of the desired lid, the desired impact strength on the lid, the amount of time available for the lid to properly cool when molded, and the step width desired, the width of the platform 90 is typically inversely proportional to, and preferably * less than, the width of the platform 97. Better still, the width of the channel 90, when determined along the plane of the upper step surface 91, is at least about 1.65 mm. Figures 29C and 29D illustrate two embodiments of the lid 85 having channels 90 of varying widths. In a preferred embodiment, the channel 90 has at least one opening 94 that allows water to run off and / or the product residue from the channel 90; and when the lid is secured to a container, to the shoulder 5 of the container. This aspect prevents the collection of residue on the step surface 91 and / or the runoff of contaminating waste from «Back to the container. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 23, the platform 91 is recessed with respect to the upper surface 93 of the upper walls 92 of the lid. The depth of the step depression 200 is the distance along the longitudinal axis A, of the cover shown in FIG. 18, from the upper surface 113 of the step to 0 the upper surface 93 of the upper side walls 92 of FIG. top. While the depth of the step depression 200 may vary depending on the desired size of the lid, the desired impact strength on the lid, the distance necessary for the operation of the desired mechanism of the dispenser, and the amount of time available for the cap to cool properly after molding, typically the depth may vary, based on the total height of the lid, H, from about more than 0 percent to about less than 100 percent, preferably from about 20% to about 80% and, better yet, from about 30% to about 50%, as shown in Fig. 21. In a more preferred embodiment, in which the tapered lid 85 is a dispensing lid, the depth is such that it will allow the desired mechanism of Reclosing the dispenser operates while remaining sunken below the upper surface 93. See Figure 17. As indicated by "q" in Figure 18, the degree of taper of the tapered cap 85 may vary from less than about 90 ° to more than about 26 °, preferably from about 85 ° to about 45 ° and, better still, from about 80 ° to about 55 ° with respect to normal, as indicated by "B", of the longitudinal axis "A" of the cover 85. As shown in the figure 27, the lower portion of the tapered lid 85 has lower peripheral side walls 108, which extend from the lower part of the channel 90 or the upper surface 113 of the step in the non-channel modes, to the lower surface 111 of the side wall bottom cover. The lower side walls 108 of the lid are integral with the upper lid walls 92, such that, when the lid 85 is viewed from the outside, the side walls 92, 108 appear as a peripheral wall. 4. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the lower side walls 108 are of a thickness such that the lower step surface 97 is visible in a bottom plan view of the lid. The thickness and height of the lower side walls 108 of the lid can vary, depending on the desired size of the lid, the desired impact strength of the lid and the amount of time available for the lid to cool properly after molding , typically the thickness is about 1.91 mm to about 0.38 mm; and preferably from about 1.27 mm to about 0.89 mm; and the height, when determined along the longitudinal axis A of the lid shown in Figure 18, based on the total height of the lid, is more than about 0% a Less than about 100%, preferably more than about 10% and less than about 80%; and better yet, from more than around 30% to less than around 50%. Integral with the lower step surface 97, there is a connecting portion 107 of the lid which is adapted for receive the neck of a container. Any means can be used to fix and secure the lid to a container. Such means are well known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, threaded means that allow the cap to be screwed to the threaded neck of a container, as shown in figure 27; a jump adjustment cord, as shown in Figure 32, and those that were mentioned above here. In a preferred embodiment, wherein the lid 85 is a dispensing lid, the lid can contain any of the dispensing mechanisms mentioned hereinabove. Figures 23 and 24 illustrate a preferred dispensing mechanism comprising a plug 82 and a dispensing orifice 122, located on the upper step surface 113, wherein the plug 82 is located in a cover 84 connected to the lid Jflk 85, by middle of a live double hinge assembly. More specifically, the plug 99 is located on the lower surface of the extension member 88, which is hingedly connected to the thin upper walls 92 of the lid, by means of the first live hinge 101. The cover 84 contains the plug 82 in its housing. lower surface, which cooperates securely with the protruding orifice ring 81. To operate the second live hinge 83, the plug 99 cooperates securely with the opening 102 of the step surface 113. The hinge 83 is a live hinge that allows the cover 84 to be in the open position (see FIGS. 26) or in the closed position (see figure 17). While the shape of the plug 99 and the opening 102 is not critical, it is preferable to use a plug with an end 120, such as a cord or flange having a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the opening 102. dimensions will allow the plug 99 to "lock" securely or "jump" into the throat 121 of the opening 102. Other Suitable securing mechanisms include the bar means 140 and lock 141 which are shown in Figure 31. Although the means for connecting the cover 84 to the cover 85 are not critical, the live hinge assembly advantageously prevents the separation of the cover 84 from the remainder of the lid 85. Other means for connecting the cover 84 to the lid 85 are shown in the art and include, but are not limited to, the spherical and EP-like ball assemblies similar to those described in Wiley. The cover 84 must be adapted to occlude the dispensing orifice 122 when the cover 84 is in the closed position. To that end, the plug 82 must be received within the throat 123, preferably in a compression fit, to effect a hermetic seal. While the The actual shape and design of the plug 82 and the dispensing orifice 122 are not critical, cylindrical shaped plugs 82 and round dispensing holes 122 with cylindrical grooves 123 are preferred. Preferably the hole collar 81 has a substantial height to allow the cleaner supply, which is less likely to drip. Seals 103, integral with the outer edges of the cover 84, allow the cover 84 to be locked in the open position, by virtue of the frictional adjustment of the detents 103 against the side walls.

Top 25 of the lid, as shown in Figures IB, 25 and 26. The shape of the detents 103 is not critical; without However, the width W of the cover 84 in the area of the detents preferably has a dimension such that it is sufficiently larger than the width of the opening 130 of the upper side walls of the lid in the hinge area 101, a in order to allow the detents 103 to securely secure the cover 84 in a retracted position shown in Figures 25-26. In a more preferred embodiment, in which a valve g is secured within the throat 123 of the orifice dispenser 122, the container can be stored in the inverted position, with the cover 84 in the retracted position, as shown in Figure 15A, As a result, the container can be stored and used in said inverted position without have to close the cover 84 again, just as shows in Figure 15B, between uses. While any valve known in the art can be used to control the flow of materials that can be supplied through the cap, the valve described in US Patent No. 5,377,877 is preferred, which is incorporated herein. as a reference in its entirety. As shown in Figure 24, the valves 98 can be incorporated into the lids by means of methods known in the art, including, but not limited to: retaining the valve in the lid by mechanical means, such as, for example, by the use of a retainer ring that snaps into place against the body of the closure. 4M, See U.S. Patent 5,377,677. Alternatively, the valve and cap can be formed integrally, such as, for example, by multiple injection molding or by coinjection of disparate materials, which constitute the closure and the valve. Methods for coinjection molding are described, for example, in U.S. Patent 5,523,045 and Modern Plastics Encyclopedia, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1990, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety as j | reference. 10 As shown in Figure 28 and in the figure 29B, another embodiment of the tapered lid 85 of the present invention includes a platform 91 and upper closing side walls 92, concentric with the platform 91; but it does not have a channel 90. In this modality, the side walls Closing upper members 92 extend integrally upwards, around the outer circumference of the upper step surface 113. As shown in Fig. 29B, another additional embodiment of the tapered cap 85 of the present invention includes a non-sunken platform 91, a channel 90 concentric with it, extending around the outer circumference of the platform 91, and top side walls 92, concentric with both the platform 91 and the channel 90. The covers described here can be made of . any desired configuration, such as those that have a square horizontal cross section or a section triangular horizontal cross-section, which are illustrated, respectively, in Figure 30A and in Figure 30B. More specifically, FIG. 30A illustrates a lid 160 having a rounded top surface 161 and upper lid side walls (not shown) having a top surface 162 of triangular shape; while Figure 30B illustrates a lid 170 having a rounded upper surface 171 of step and upper side lid walls (not shown) having a square-shaped upper surface 172. Similarly, while the shape of the surface of step, when seen in the top view of the lid, is not critical, those that have a more rounded circumference, a circular shape or an oval shape, are preferred. Although it is preferred that the circumference of the upper surface 93 of the upper side walls 92 of the lid be greater than the lower surface circumference 111 of the lower side walls 108 of the lid, i.e., a tapered cap "inversely", a alternative to the lid shown in Fig. 33 is an inverted cap 155, without channel, having a top surface circumference 151 that is smaller than its bottom surface circumference 152. Fig. 34 shows a similar inverted lid 155 , but with a channel 153. Contrary to the modality shown, for example, in figure 24, where channel 90 is visible from the view in mt upper floor, the lid channel 153 in Figure 34 is not visible in the top plan view, but rather in a bottom plan view (not shown) of the lid 155. The upper step surface 154 of the lid 155, both in figure 33 and figure 34, remains visible in a top plan view (not shown). Figure 6B illustrates the container of Figure 6A in an inverted orientation. The dimensions of the container are '•? T such, that small children can grab convenient and comfortably holds the container close to its upper portion 7 of the body, while older children and adults can comfortably grip the container in its central portion 8 of body or in its lower portion 10. Preferably, container 6 has a size and a way that allow a adult with an average hand size, grasp the container at its widest point 9, holding the back of the container in the palm of the hand, so that the thumb and fingers can make contact with the sides of the container and make contact, at least partially, with the front of the container. The containers and closures of the invention can consist of any material that can be formed to the desired configuration and that is inert to the materials contained therein. Preferred materials include any elastic polymeric material, commonly used in the art of forming containers, including, but not limited to Wk¿ to them: resins based on polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride; polyethylene terephthalate or copolymers or mixtures thereof. "Copolymers", as used herein, shall mean any polymer having two or more monomeric components. Frequently, polyethylene grades, including low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, are compatible with toilet products. 'i' high density polyethylene or copolymers or mixtures or combinations of them; and these are preferred as materials for the containers of the invention. Low density polyethylene produces a bottle that is relatively easy to tighten, while high density polyethylene bottles are relatively rigid. In the case of products When liquids are dispensed by squeezing the container, a 50:50 mixture of low density polyethylene and high density polyethylene is preferred. In the case of powders, where the desired mode of supply is shaking the container, a more rigid container, produced from high density polyethylene. The thickness of the outer walls, i.e., the panels, the first side, the second side and the like, can be of any desired thickness can vary within a container and may depend on the desired end use of the container. container and the contents stored in it. Preferably, the thickness of the walls varies from about 254 μm to 1-g > about 1270 μm and, preferably, about 762 μm to 1016 μm. While such thicknesses are preferred as they provide an easily deformable container, it should be understood that other wall thicknesses can be produced to meet a particular need and still fall within the scope of the present invention. The containers of the present invention can be formed by any of the conventional techniques Wfef known in this field for the production of containers that include, but are not limited to: blow molding and extrusion; blow molding and injection molding; blow molding and stretching, and the like. The details of these procedures are described, for example, in Wiley, at 54-65. Extrusion and blow molding is the preferred method. A remarkable feature of the container of the present invention is that it fits comfortably in the hands of both adults and young children. Another notable feature is that the containers of the present invention supply a product using relatively little force manual; and therefore, they are preferred for small children and adults who lack strength in their hands. Another additional notable feature is that the containers of the invention incorporate design aspects that prevent the container from slipping from the user's hands, particularly when your hands are wet. Another remarkable aspect of the containers of the invention is that they have surfaces > lflL- which are easily attainable for printing or for the placement of labels. It has also been discovered, unexpectedly, that the presence of the upper side walls 92 of the lid and / or a channel 90, allow the tapered lid 85 to have a uniform, faster cooling portion in the mold; and in such a way, less superficial defects; since the resulting cap does not have thick masses of solid material, but rather consists of thin outer walls having a thickness relatively constant. The invention herein described illustratively may be practiced in an adequate manner in the absence of any component, ingredient or step that is or is specifically described herein. Several examples are given below to further illustrate the nature of the invention and the manner of putting it into practice. However, the invention should not be considered limited to those details of it.

EXAMPLES 20 TEST METHODS USED IN THE EXAMPLES 1) Dispensing force test The force needed to dispense the contents of a container or "dispensing force" was measured using a Uniforce Experiment system (parallel port entry / exit version) manufactured by Forc Imaging Technologies, A has thin flexible sensing strips (0.076 μm), which can be mounted on a variety of surfaces, with little or no effect on the test sample, and both application program (Uniform Sensor System, version 5) and peripherals that they interface with the sensor to a personal computer, for the acquisition of data. A sensor strip with the appropriate force scale (usually from 0 to 4.54 kg) is mounted on one of the panels of the Bp sample vessel, with the sensor mounted on the site in the which would typically contact the thumb of a user with the container, during the normal delivery of product from the container, as shown in Figure 14, for the adult-sized hand, the thumb normally contacts the panel at a point between about 70 percent and about 80 percent of the length of the panel closest to the closed end 2 of the container. The application program runs in the log data mode with a time duration of between 1.25 and 1.75 seconds The container is held in the user's hand with the thumb on one side of the container and the other fingers on the opposite side of the container. With the thumb on the sensor, the container is held in a vertical position, with the dispensing orifice directed downwards, on a beaker located on an electronic scale model PE 600 Metler. The containers are then manually tightened with enough force to open the valve and dispense a normal amount EB of the product (3-6 g) contained in them. The maximum force that is necessary to open the valve and to dispense each quantity of product is obtained by the computer program. That value of force, together with the weight of product dispensed, is manually tabulated by the operator. After resetting the scale to zero, the previous sequence is repeated until the container is empty of all products. The data collected by the operator is used.

Jht then to generate a graph that shows strength necessary to open the valve as a function of the accumulated amount of product dispensed from the container.

EXAMPLE 1 MEASUREMENT OF DISPENSING FORCE 15 The force required to dispense product was measured | > from the containers of the present invention, as well as in various commercially available containers, shown in the following table 1, according to the dispensing force test described above. Each of the containers in Table 1 was equipped with a lid containing a silicone dispensing valve, obtainable from Seaquist Closures, Mukwonago, Wisconsin.

TABLE 1 TYPES OF CONTAINERS No. of Origin Size legend Product recipien- of the product te (ml) .- Lever 2000 Wash of 354 Lever Bros, body. Body wash moistens- 177 Cheeseborough ? fc dora Vaseline Intensive Care Ponds. Baby bath humidifier, 200 Mennen Baby Magic. Antibacter body wash354 Colgate- riano Soft Soap Gentle Palmolive.

Container of the invention 100 shown in Figure 4. Container of the invention 200 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 6A, 6B. In order to eliminate any inconsistencies that arise from dispensing products of different viscosities, the contents of all the containers, as they were packed and purchased, were replaced with water. The results of these strength measurements are shown in Figure 11. It is evident from Figure 11 that the containers of the present invention require the lowest amount of force to flL dispense product with respect to the other containers tested. Consequently, it is expected that the containers of the invention facilitate more the supply of product by those who have little manual force, such as children small and adults of a very old age.

Claims (24)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A tapered lid, characterized in that it comprises: 5 (a) a peripheral side cap wall comprising a top side cap wall and a cap side bottom wall; the upper lid side wall further comprising an upper surface having a circumference, and mff comprising the lower side wall of the lid, 10 additionally, a lower surface having a circumference; and (b) a platform concentrically integral with the peripheral side wall of the lid and having a step top surface that is sunken with respect to the top surface.

2. The lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the circumference of the upper surface is greater than the circumference of the lower surface.

3. The lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a channel between the platform and the peripheral side wall of the lid, and concentric with them.

4. The lid according to claim 3, further characterized in that it further comprises an opening in the channel.

5. The lid according to claim 1, jf further characterized because it has a degree of taper between about 85 ° and about 45 °, with respect to the normal to the longitudinal axis of the lid.

6. The lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that the upper side wall of the lid has a thickness of approximately 1.90 to 0.40 mm.

7. The lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a cover attached to the J &k peripheral peripheral side wall, by means of a connection means.

8, - The lid according to claim 7, further characterized in that the connection means is a first hinge.

9. The lid according to claim 7, further characterized in that it comprises an extension member attached to the peripheral side wall of the lid and to the cover; said extension member having a lower surface.

10. The lid according to claim 9, further characterized in that it comprises a second hinge that 20 integrally connects the extension member and the cover; a plug, integral with the lower surface of the extension member, and an opening in the upper step surface, wherein the plug and the opening are located in the lid, in a site that allows the cooperation of the plug and the opening.

11. The lid according to claim 10, further characterized in that it comprises additionally a dispensing orifice through the upper step surface; the dispensing orifice having a throat.

12. The lid according to claim 11, further characterized in that the cover further comprises a lower surface and a plug integral with it, such that the lid is in a closed position when the cap is secured within the throat.

13. The cap according to claim 11, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a valve securely fitted in the throat.

14. A tapered lid, characterized in that it comprises: a) a peripheral side wall of the lid comprising an upper side wall of the lid and a lower side wall of the lid; the upper lid side wall further comprising an upper surface having a perimeter; and the lower side wall of the lid further comprising a lower surface having a perimeter; and b) a step, concentrically integral with the peripheral side wall of the lid, and having a step top surface, which is sunken with respect to the top surface.

15. The lid according to claim 14, further characterized in that the perimeter of the upper surface is greater than the perimeter of the lower surface.

16. The lid according to claim 14, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a channel between the platform and the peripheral side wall of the lid, and concentric with them.

17. A tapered lid, characterized in that it comprises: a) a peripheral side wall of the lid comprising an upper side wall of the lid and a lower side wall of the lid; the upper lid side wall further comprising an upper surface having a circumference; and the lower side wall of the lid further comprising a lower surface having a circumference; b) a platform, concentrically integral with the peripheral side wall of the lid; and c) a channel between the platform and the peripheral side wall of the lid, and concentric with them.

18. The lid according to claim 17, further characterized in that the circumference of the upper surface is greater than the circumference of the lower surface.

19. The lid according to claim 17, further characterized in that it further comprises a container, so that the lid is adapted to fit the container.

20. The lid according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a container, so that the lid is adapted to fit with the container.

21. The lid according to claim 14, i Wm further characterized in that it additionally comprises a container, so that the lid is adapted to fit with the container.

22. A method to form a tapered lid, 5 characterized in that it comprises: molding the lid under sufficient conditions in a mold capable of forming a lid, which contains: a) a peripheral side wall of lid, comprising a top side wall of lid and a lower side wall bá lid; further comprising the wall 10 upper lid side an upper surface having a circumference, and the lower lid side wall further comprising a lower surface having a circumference; and b) a platform concentrically integral with the peripheral side wall of the lid, and having a 15 step top surface that is depressed with respect to the top surface.

23. The method according to claim 22, further characterized in that the circumference of the upper surface is greater than the circumference of the lower surface.

24. A method for forming a tapered lid, characterized in that it comprises: molding the lid under sufficient conditions in a mold capable of forming a lid, which contains: a) a peripheral side wall of lid, which 25 comprises an upper lid side wall and a lower lid side wall; further comprising the wall upper side cap having an upper surface having a perimeter, and the lower side cap wall further comprising a lower surface having a perimeter; and b) a concentrically integral platform 5 with the peripheral side wall of the lid, and having a step top surface that is sunken with respect to the top surface. * 25 .- The method according to claim I | b 24, characterized in that the perimeter of the surface 10 upper is greater than the perimeter of the lower surface. 26. A method for forming a tapered lid, characterized in that it comprises: molding the lid under sufficient conditions in a mold capable of forming a lid, which contains: a) a peripheral side wall of lid, which 15 comprises an upper lid side wall and a lower lid side wall; the upper lid side wall further comprising an upper surface having a perimeter, and the lower side lid wall further comprising a lower surface having a 20 perimeter; b) a platform concentrically integral with the peripheral side wall of the lid, and having a step top surface; and c) a channel between the platform and the peripheral side wall of the lid, and concentric to them.