TWI468322B - Containers with severable closures - Google Patents

Description

Container with separable closure

The present invention relates to a container having a separable closure. More particularly, the present invention relates to several containers in which the detachable closures are used to open and close the containers when in use.

Low dose containers are used in a variety of applications, and such containers employ a variety of configurations. The materials that will be contained in the container and the manner in which they are dispensed will often determine the shape, structure, and materials used to make the container. These containers are used in personal care products (eg, lotions and ointments), as well as oral care products (eg, toothpaste, mouthwash, and gum treatments). These containers are also used in medical products such as eye drops and ointments, skin ointments, and a range of antibacterial and antibacterial agents. In addition, there are industrial uses such as adhesives and specialty lubricants. Due to a variety of applications, small dose containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as a range of materials used to make containers. There are also various methods for making containers. This includes heat forming or injection molding a complete container and applying the closure individually after filling. In some cases, the components of the container can be fabricated separately and then combined in a later step to make the container.

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,471,628 and U.S. Patent No. 4,460,175, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. These reference documents show a single container and a sequence of attachment containers that are ready for filling. The container sequence is attached at the midpoint Pick up. The closure is an integral part of the container. A related structure of the container is shown in U.S. Patent No. D556,321. In each of the reference documents, each container can be opened by twisting the closure from the container by removing the closure to separate them from the container.

As mentioned above, different containers use different materials. Materials that are optimal for holding the contained product may not be optimal for the container structure and for easy separation of the closure to open the container. vice versa. Therefore, in some cases, the material constituting the container body may be different from the material constituting the closure and the nozzle which will be separated from the closure. In addition, because the closure, nozzle, and container shoulder are also subject to torque (eg, twisting) forces, these components may require structural strength that is not required by the container body. These needs may require the use of different materials and materials of different thicknesses. Additional processing steps may also be required. Under these circumstances, the preservation of the product and the integrity of the container are the main considerations in forming the container.

The present invention is directed to one or more of the aforementioned problems.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention is directed to a container comprising: a body having a cavity for receiving a product. The container also includes a nozzle and a break-off closure that seals a dispensing orifice of the nozzle that is exposed when the breakaway closure is separated from the nozzle. The body, the nozzle and the snap-off closure may be formed from the same or different materials. If material In the same case, the body, the nozzle and the snap-off closure will be formed in a single molding step. If the materials are different, the body, the nozzle and the breakaway closure are formed in two or more steps in a manner that the body is formed separately from the nozzle and the breakaway closure (with or without the shoulder) .

The body can be a laminate or other structure while the nozzle and the breakaway closure are separately formed and bonded to the body. Alternatively, the body can be a laminate or other structure while the nozzle and the breakaway closure can be compression molded in a single step to the body, this step forming the nozzle and the breakaway closure and bonding them to the layer The main body of the compound.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of reducing the torque required for a closure and nozzle of a separation vessel (consisting of high density polyethylene) comprising the steps of: adding an inorganic additive to the high density Polyethylene to form a mixture of the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive; and the mixture of the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive forms at least the nozzle and the closure of the container.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a container comprising: a body having a cavity for receiving a product; a unit distribution body coupled to the body, the unit distribution body including a nozzle and a a breakaway closure sealing a dispensing orifice of the nozzle, the dispensing orifice being exposed when the breakaway closure is separated from the nozzle; and the unit distribution body comprising a high density polyethylene and an inorganic additive A mixture of one is formed.

In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a dispensing body for a container, comprising: a nozzle; a snap-off closure sealing one of the dispensing orifices of the nozzle, the dispensing orifice being closed at the break The member is exposed when separated from the nozzle; and the nozzle and the breakaway closure are formed as a unit from a mixture comprising a high density polyethylene and an inorganic additive.

Other areas in which the invention may be applied are apparent from the detailed description provided below. The detailed description and specific examples are intended to be illustrative and not restrict

10‧‧‧ demonstration container

11‧‧‧Curled seal/curled

12‧‧‧ shoulder

13‧‧‧ openings

14‧‧‧Folding closures/closures

15‧‧‧ Engagement ring

16‧‧‧ nozzle

17a, 17b‧‧‧ wing

18‧‧‧ Subject

19a, 19b‧‧‧ wing

40‧‧‧ Unit Assignment

41‧‧‧ Product cavity

42‧‧‧ cylindrical part

43‧‧‧Distribution orifice/distribution catheter

44‧‧‧ lower edge

45‧‧‧Upper edge

46‧‧‧Pre-weakened zone

47‧‧‧Upper edge

48‧‧‧ nozzle cavity

49‧‧‧Distribution catheter

The invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a plurality of containers attached to each other at a body portion of the container and a closure of the container; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exemplary container according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a container of FIG. A perspective view in which the closure has been removed from the container; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of the container of Figure 2.

The following description of the preferred embodiments is essentially for illustrative purposes only. The invention is in no way intended to limit the invention, the application or use of the invention.

The description of exemplary embodiments in accordance with the principles of the invention, and the drawings, In the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the invention is intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Relativistic terms such as "low", "high", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "up", "down", "left", "right", "front" and " "After" and its derivatives (eg, "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) shall be considered as such orientation as described subsequently or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless otherwise indicated. Terms such as "attached", "fixed", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected", "tethered" are those in which the structure is fixed or attached to each other either directly or indirectly through the intermediate structure. And the attachment or relationship of the activity or rigidity of both parties, unless otherwise expressly stated. In addition, the features and advantages of the present invention are described in the exemplary embodiments herein. Therefore, the invention should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments, even if indicated as preferred. The discussion herein describes and illustrates some possible combinations of features that are not limiting, and which may exist separately or belong to other combinations of features. The scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the accompanying application patent

Referring first to Figure 1, an exemplary container 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in a multipack detachable array. In the illustrated embodiment, each container The form of 10 is the tube body. That is, the container 10 has a generally circular cross section and the lower end of the container 10 after it has been filled with the desired product/substance, for example, sealed with a crimp seal 11. Of course, container 10 can take on other configurations and shapes in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The container 10 generally includes a body 18, a shoulder 12, a nozzle 16 and a snap-off closure 14. In some embodiments, the shoulder 12, the nozzle 16 and the snap-off closure 14 can form a unit distribution body 40. The body 18 is coupled to the unit distribution body 40 to form the container 10. In an alternate embodiment, the unit dispensing body 40 may include only the nozzle 16 and the snap-off closure 14 as part of the body 18, as well as the individually formed shoulders 12, or may be omitted altogether. In some embodiments, body 18 can include a cavity for containing personal care products (eg, lotions and ointments) and oral care products (eg, toothpaste, mouthwash, and gum treatments).

In the exemplary embodiment, the shoulder 12 is disposed in the upper half of the body 18 and extends upwardly. The nozzle 16 is provided in the upper half of the shoulder 12 and extends upward. A snap-off closure 14 is provided at the upper end of the nozzle 16 and extends upward.

In some embodiments, the shoulder 12, the snap-off closure 14 and the nozzle 16 are formed and coupled to the body 18 by compression molding. The main body 18, which is open at the upper and lower ends, is first loaded into a mold for compression molding. Then, a mold piece to form the shoulder portion 12, the breakable closure member 14, and the nozzle 16 is fitted over the upper end of the main body 18. Then, the thermoplastic is injected into the die to simultaneously: (1) form the shoulder 12, the nozzle 16 and the closure 14 into the unit distribution body 40 in an integrated and unitary form; And (2) coupling the unit distribution body 40 to the upper end of the body 18. As a result, the body 18 (and thus the container 10) is sealed at the upper end while the lower end is still open to fill the desired substance/product. Once the product cavity 41 (Fig. 4) is filled with the desired substance/product, the lower end is sealed via the bead 11 or other member.

In other embodiments, the unit distribution body 40 can be independently molded and then molded or otherwise coupled to the body 18. This technique can be used when compression molding is not possible or possible as an efficient or efficient coupling technique.

Regardless of how the body 18 is made and/or how the unit distribution body 40 is coupled thereto, the present invention forms a unit distribution body 40 (which includes at least a snap-off closure 14 and a nozzle 16, and optionally a shoulder 12) as a single unit. The unit molding structure in which the snap-off closure 14 is easily separated from the nozzle 16 by twisting the snap-off closure 14 against the nozzle 16 (or by applying another hand power). The present invention achieves a balance between the two: the breakaway closure 14 is easily separated from the nozzle 16, and the unit distribution body 40 having sufficient structural integrity is formed to twist the breakaway closure 14 to separate the breakaway closure 14 and the nozzle 16. Can handle the processing power before and during the period. To this end, the present invention uses a mixture of high density polyethylene and solid inorganic additives. The high density polyethylene has high impact strength and toughness as well as good structural integrity. However, it has been found that the torque required to form the unit distributor 40 alone from the high density polyethylene to remove the closure exceeds the torsional strength of many users. Therefore, it is considered that the unit distributor 40 formed of high-density polyethylene alone is not suitable. Some existing containers are formed from low density polyethylene. However, already It has been found that high density polyethylene provides properties and aesthetics that are stronger than low density polyethylene. In addition, high density polyethylene is stiffer than lower density polyethylene.

In a specific embodiment, a solution was found to add a solid inorganic additive to the high density polyethylene to form a mixture. Compared to when the unit distribution body 40 is formed of high-density polyethylene alone and does not contain a solid inorganic additive, the closure 14 is unloaded by the nozzle 16 to provide the required torque, and the addition of the solid inorganic additive to the high-density polyethylene enhances the high density. The flexural modulus of elasticity and hardness of the polyethylene, as well as the torque required to separate the closure 14 from the nozzle 16, is reduced by from about 10 to about 20%.

In a suitable embodiment, the inorganic additive is added in an amount of from about 3% to about 21% by weight of the mixture of the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive. In a more specific embodiment, the inorganic additive is added in an amount of from about 9% to about 18% by weight of the mixture of the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive.

The unit distribution body 40 is formed from the mixture of the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive to reduce the torsional force required to separate the breakaway closure 14 from the nozzle 16 to a significant portion of the potential user of the container 10. The extent of the pass. In some embodiments, the container 10 can have a nominal wall thickness of about 0.130 mm. This wall thickness will vary for different parts of the container component.

A suitable high density polyethylene that can be used to form the desired mixture is one that has a low tensile modulus, such as a stretch factor of from about 800 to 900 MPa and a low tensile impact strength. Of course, high density polyethylene can be used as needed. Calcium carbonate is a suitable inorganic additive One of them. However, other inorganic solid additives may also be used, including but not limited to one or more of the following: ceria, citrate, alumina, yttrium aluminate, titania, clay, talc, glass Fiber, mica, barite, and other inorganic materials that are inert to the contents of high density polyethylene containers. The inorganic additive preferably has a particle size between about 1 micrometer and about 100 micrometers, and often between about 60 micrometers and 100 micrometers. The particle size is to a large extent limited by the size of the entrance door on the molding apparatus because the inorganic additive and high density polyethylene pass through the mold entry gate during the injection of the mixture into the mold used to form the unit distribution body 40. In addition, the size of the particle size cannot be too close to the wall thickness.

In a specific embodiment, the unit distribution body 40 is formed from a mixture of high density polyethylene and calcium carbonate wherein calcium carbonate is added at a concentration of about 15% by weight of the mixture. In this embodiment, the use of a mixture of high density polyethylene and calcium carbonate reduces the torsional force from about 15.5 Ncm to about 13.5 Ncm. Moreover, as the concentration of calcium carbonate in the mixture increases, the amount of torque required to separate the fractured closure 14 from the nozzle 16 is further reduced. However, if the torque required to separate the closure is further reduced, the snap-off closure 14 can be accidentally separated, such as only when it is being held through.

In certain embodiments, the inorganic additive can be added directly to the high density polyethylene. However, in other embodiments, the inorganic additive may be added to the high density polyethylene to form a mixture of a polyethylene resin (eg, a linear low density polyethylene resin). Add inorganic additive The addition of the additive to the high density polyethylene to a previously formed mixture of the inorganic additive and the linear low density polyethylene resin results in the inorganic additive being easily incorporated into the high density polyethylene. In this particular embodiment, the mixture of inorganic additive and linear low density polyethylene holds from about 10% to about 60% by weight of the inorganic additive. Of course, an appropriate amount of inorganic additive content can be adjusted to enter the final mixture of high density polyethylene and inorganic additives.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the snap-off closure 14 includes a cylindrical portion 42 and a pair of wings 17a, 17b extending radially outward from the cylindrical portion 42. The pair of wings 17a, 17b are protruded from the cylindrical portion 42 to provide a mechanism for the user to more effectively grasp the snap-off closure 14 to separate it from the nozzle 16 by twisting. The pair of wings 17a, 17b also make it possible for the user to apply greater torque to the snap-off closure 14 to separate it from the nozzle 16 to expose the dispensing orifice 43 of the nozzle 16 whereby the body 18 product can be dispensed from the container 10. Product/substance within cavity 41.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of containers 10 can be mounted in an interconnected manner to form a combination package of containers 10. As illustrated, the wings 17a, 17b of each container 10 are attached to each other as a detachable array to provide the container 10 in a more manageable manner. The containers 10 are also attached to each other along the body 18 as needed. In some cases, depending on the size of the container 10, the interconnection of the snap-off closure 14 will maintain the container 10 sufficiently in the detachable array. However, for larger versions of the container 10, it may be advantageous for the body 18 to have additional accessories. In a particular embodiment, each body 18 of the container 10 can be provided with an attachment band 15 having a pair of wings 19a, 19b projecting radially outward therefrom. As shown, on the main body 18 The pair of wings 19a, 19b are removably coupled to each other to provide a more stable array of containers 10.

The structural details of the container 10 are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 through 4. 2 illustrates the container 10 separated from the detachable array of FIG. 1, and wherein the snap-off closure 14 is still attached to the nozzle 16 to seal the dispensing orifice 43. In FIG. 3, the snap-off closure 14 has been separated from the nozzle 16 by a twisting action to expose the dispensing orifice 43 of the nozzle 16 whereby the product/substance within the product cavity 41 of the body 18 can be dispensed from the container 10. In Figure 4, the snap-off closure 14 is flipped over and repositioned on the nozzle 16 to reseal the dispensing orifice 43. It will be appreciated that in the particular embodiment of FIG. 4, the snap-off closure 14 can be used to reseal the dispensing orifice 43, however, in other embodiments, the snap-off closure 14 can be a snap-off closure such that it cannot Used to reseal the dispensing orifice.

When the container 10 is in the original assembled state, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower edge 44 of the snap-off closure 14 is coupled to the upper edge 45 of the nozzle 16. The junction of the lower edge 44 of the breakaway closure 14 and the upper edge 45 of the nozzle 16 forms a pre-weakened area 46 to facilitate separation of the breakaway closure 14 from the nozzle 16. The pre-weakened zone 46 can be a perforated area, a scored area, or a reduced cross-sectional area. Of course, in other embodiments, when the unit distribution body 40 is formed from the mixture of the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive, it is not necessary to include the pre-weakened area to sufficiently provide a separable property.

The upper edge 47 of the breakaway closure 14 includes a nozzle cavity 48 having an opening 13 for separating the breakaway closure 14 from the nozzle 16 and the flip closure 14 being inverted and placed in the nozzle 16 (Fig. 4 Used to accept the nozzle 16 when shown. The nozzle 16 is slidably inserted into the nozzle cavity 48 via the opening 13.

As best seen in connection with Figures 2 and 4, the pre-weakened zone 46 intersects the dispensing conduit 49 of the nozzle 16. As a result, when the snap-off closure 14 is separated from the nozzle 16 along the pre-weakened zone 46, the dispensing conduit 43 is exposed.

The present invention provides several structures, methods, and materials to improve the use of low dose containers, particularly the structure and materials of the closure, the nozzles and shoulders of the container. Several materials have been found to have the structural stability required when handling a container and separating the closure from the container to open the container. This is a special occasion for forming a closure that integrates with the nozzle and, in many cases, with the shoulder and nozzle of the container. Then, the shoulder, the nozzle and the closure are unit structures molded in a single step.

Ranges are used as a shorthand to describe each and every value within the range, as used throughout. Any value within this range can be selected as the end of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in entirety. If the definitions in this disclosure conflict with the definitions in the cited references, this disclosure is determined.

Although the above description and the annexed drawings show several exemplary embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that various additional The spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims is not limited. In particular, it is apparent that those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, ratios, sizes and other elements, materials and components without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without departing from the principles of the invention. The present invention may employ many variations in structure, configuration, ratio, size, materials, components, etc., which are specifically designed to suit particular environmental and operational requirements. body. The present invention is to be considered as illustrative only and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

10‧‧‧ demonstration container

11‧‧‧Curled seal/curled

12‧‧‧ shoulder

13‧‧‧ openings

14‧‧‧Folding closures/closures

15‧‧‧ Engagement ring

16‧‧‧ nozzle

17a, 17b‧‧‧ wing

18‧‧‧ Subject

19a, 19b‧‧‧ wing

40‧‧‧ Unit Assignment

42‧‧‧ cylindrical part

47‧‧‧Upper edge

48‧‧‧ nozzle cavity

Claims (30)

A container comprising: a body having a cavity for receiving a product; a nozzle; and a snap-off closure sealing a dispensing orifice of the nozzle, the dispensing orifice being closed at the break The member is exposed when separated from the nozzle; wherein the fractured closure is formed from a mixture comprising a high density polyethylene and an inorganic additive; wherein the inorganic additive comprises the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive The mixture has a concentration of from about 3% to about 21% by weight. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a shoulder. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the breakaway closure comprises a lower edge coupled to an upper edge of the nozzle to seal the dispensing orifice. The container of claim 3, wherein the breakaway closure comprises an upper edge having a nozzle cavity, the nozzle cavity having an opening for separating the fractured closure from the nozzle once the The nozzle is received when the breakaway closure is placed over the nozzle. Such as the container described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the container The device includes a pre-weakened zone defining an upper edge of the nozzle and a lower edge of the snap-off closure. The container of claim 5, wherein the pre-weakened zone intersects one of the dispensing conduits of the nozzle. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixture comprises a torque required to separate the closure member and the nozzle formed from the high-density polyethylene without the inorganic additive, the mixture comprising A quantity of the inorganic additive is reduced by about 10 to 20% of the torque required to separate the closure from the nozzle. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle and the breakaway closure are simultaneously formed and coupled to the body by compression molding. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container further comprises an oral care product contained in the cavity, and the nozzle and the breakaway closure are formed as a unitary component. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the snap-off closure comprises a cylindrical portion and a pair of wings extending radially outward from the cylindrical portion. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inorganic additive has a concentration of from about 9% to about 18% by weight of the mixture comprising the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inorganic additive is added to the high density polyethylene to form a mixture of the inorganic additive and a linear low density polyethylene. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inorganic additive is calcium carbonate. A method for reducing the torque required to separate a closure from a nozzle of a container of high density polyethylene, comprising the steps of: adding an inorganic additive to the high density polyethylene to form the high density poly a mixture of ethylene and the inorganic additive; and the mixture of the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive forming at least the nozzle of the container and the closure; wherein the inorganic additive is in the high density polyethylene The mixture of inorganic additives has a concentration of from about 3% to about 21% by weight. The method of claim 14, wherein the inorganic additive has a concentration of from about 9% to about 18% by weight of the mixture of the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive. The method of claim 14, wherein the inorganic additive is added to the high density polyethylene to form a mixture of the inorganic additive and a linear low density polyethylene. The method of claim 14, wherein the inorganic additive is calcium carbonate. The method of claim 14, wherein the torque required to separate the closure from the nozzle is about 13.5 Ncm, and the separation is formed by the high density polyethylene without the inorganic additive. The torque required for a similar nozzle is approximately 15.5 Ncm. The method of claim 14, wherein the container comprises a shoulder having a wall thickness substantially equal to about 0.130 mm. A dispenser for a container, comprising: a nozzle; a snap-off closure sealing a dispensing orifice of the nozzle, the dispensing orifice being exposed when the breakaway closure is separated from the nozzle; and the nozzle Forming the unit as a unit with a mixture comprising a high density polyethylene and an inorganic additive; wherein the inorganic additive has about 3 in the mixture comprising the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive % to a concentration of about 21% by weight. The dispensing body of claim 20, wherein the unit dispensing body further comprises a shoulder. The dispensing body of claim 20, wherein the snap-off closure comprises a lower edge coupled to an upper edge of the nozzle to seal the dispensing orifice. The dispensing body of claim 22, wherein the breaking closure comprises an upper edge having a nozzle cavity, the nozzle cavity having an opening for separating the fractured closure from the nozzle once The breakaway closure receives the nozzle when placed on the nozzle. The dispensing body of claim 20, wherein the unit dispensing body comprises a pre-weakened zone defining an upper edge of the nozzle and a lower edge of the fractured closure. The dispenser of claim 24, wherein the pre-weakened zone intersects one of the dispensing conduits of the nozzle. The dispenser of claim 20, wherein the separator is required to separate a closure from one of the high density polyethylene and one of the similar unit distributors formed without the inorganic additive. Torque comprising the mixture of the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive A quantity of the inorganic additive is included to reduce the torque required to separate the closure from the nozzle by about 10 to 20%. The dispensing body of claim 20, wherein the snap-off closure comprises a cylindrical portion and a pair of wings extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical portion. The dispenser of claim 20, wherein the inorganic additive has a concentration of from about 9% to about 18% by weight of the mixture comprising the high density polyethylene and the inorganic additive. The distribution body according to claim 20, wherein the inorganic additive is added to the high density polyethylene to form a mixture of the inorganic additive and a linear low density polyethylene. The distribution body according to claim 20, wherein the inorganic additive is calcium carbonate.