TWI628119B - Container - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container for holding a granule or powder material. The container includes a wall, a collar, a lid, and a buckle. The walls define an interior space and an upper portion that defines a sealing flange and an opening to the interior space. The collar is attached to the upper portion. The cover is attached to the collar for positioning between the open position and the closed position and is adapted to cover the opening when in the closed position. The buckle is attached to the outer surface of the cover. The buckle can have an actuator that is rotatable relative to the cover in two directions and releasably engages a catch that protrudes from the outer surface of the collar.

Description

container Cross-references to related applications

The present application claims the benefit of the PRODUCT CONTAINMENT SYSTEM and the US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/639,857, filed on Apr. 27, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Incorporated herein.

Many consumer products are packaged in granular or powder form such as, for example, infant formula, flour, coffee, and sugar. Special units are required for stock units in the form of granules or powders sold in quantities greater than one usage. The package must be suitable for storage prior to first use and must be provided for proper storage between the point of use and subsequent use. Properly storing the product throughout the life cycle requires packaging that is resistant to waste and contamination, robust, and user-friendly.

Multi-use containers for powder products are typically constructed from polymers. Such materials can be subjected to a number of variables that adversely result in product components that may vary beyond acceptable dimensional tolerance limits. Furthermore, the polymeric material may deform due to accidental shrinkage and bending. These types of manufacturing problems are particularly pronounced in containers formed from assemblies having more than one component, such as where the top or cover and collar assembly are secured to the bottom member or base of the container.

Still other users encounter problems with prior art containers that are unsuitable for significant changes in ambient air pressure outside the container to create a significant pressure differential between the sealed interior space of the container and the external ambient atmosphere. For example, when the container is at a facility at sea level pressure When packaged and then shipped to a consumer at a higher elevation, the container will have a higher internal pressure, which creates a potentially significant pressure differential. If the pressure differential is large enough, the container may expand, making it more difficult to stack and store, and may even experience cracking, becoming a contaminated and discarded product. The opposite may occur when a container that is filled and sealed at a higher elevation is transported to a lower altitude user. When opened, ambient air may immediately enter the interior of the container and contaminate its contents.

When a container with a pressure differential is opened, the contents may again be splashed out by extremely rapid pressure equalization to eject a large amount of powder or other type of product content. Attempts to overcome these shortcomings include thicker walled containers, which add weight and material costs; and round and cylindrical containers that can have higher hoop stress strength but are less efficient and inconvenient to stack and store on the rack.

There is a need for a solution that addresses many of the problems associated with prior art containers and, most importantly, provides novel and innovative means of preventing and/or minimizing the contamination, spillage, and waste of the products contained in such containers. There is a need for a more durable container that has improved stiffness and strength characteristics that expands to an acceptable dimensional tolerance range and is adaptable and more adaptable to accidentally deformed container component profiles.

The present application describes a container for packaging, such as, for example, a container suitable for holding an infant formula powder.

In an exemplary embodiment, the container has a collar, a cover, and a seal. The container includes a wall defining an interior space and an opening to the interior space. The collar is attached to the walls. The cover is attached to the collar for positioning between the open position and the closed position and is adapted to cover the opening when in the closed position. The latch assembly is attached to the outer surface of the container and provides precise control features for the user to allow the cover to easily engage and disengage the collar. The latch assembly can include two tabs, one on the cover and one on the collar or container.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the Detailed Description of the Drawing.

10‧‧‧ Container

12‧‧‧ 容座

14‧‧‧ collar

16‧‧‧ Cover

20a‧‧‧ front wall

20b‧‧‧Back wall

22a‧‧‧Right/right wall

22b‧‧‧Left wall/left wall

24‧‧‧Inner edge/opening

26‧‧‧Internal space

28‧‧‧ bottom wall

30‧‧‧ Sealing flange

31a‧‧‧ recess

31b‧‧‧ recess

32a‧‧‧ recess

32b‧‧‧ recess

40‧‧‧ upper

42‧‧‧flat surface

44‧‧‧Wedge surface

50‧‧‧ recesses/sags

52‧‧ ‧Bridge

54‧‧‧ convex parts

56‧‧‧ inner surface

60‧‧‧Spine

70‧‧‧Seal

72‧‧‧ convex parts

73a‧‧‧ recessed pattern

73b‧‧‧Indentation

74a‧‧‧Longside

74b‧‧‧Longside

76a‧‧‧ Short side

76b‧‧‧ Short side

80‧‧‧Seal/convex shape

82‧‧‧ convex parts

82a‧‧‧

82b‧‧‧ side

82c‧‧‧Remote

84‧‧‧ Short side

86‧‧‧Longside

90‧‧‧ Coverage

92‧‧‧Transition Department

94‧‧‧ convex parts

98‧‧‧ distal

100‧‧‧End line

100a‧‧ points

100b‧‧‧ points

102‧‧‧ boundary line

150‧‧‧ inner wall

200‧‧‧Lock

202‧‧‧Actuator

204‧‧‧ top

206‧‧‧ bottom

208‧‧‧ recessed front

210‧‧ ‧Bridge

212‧‧‧ inner surface

214‧‧‧ positive

216‧‧‧ outer surface

218‧‧‧ toothed parts

220‧‧‧Carmen

222‧‧‧Support

223‧‧‧Support

230‧‧‧ buffer

232‧‧‧ vertical wall

234‧‧‧ horizontal support

236‧‧‧ outer surface

240‧‧‧ Engagement block

Concave surface in 242‧‧

250‧‧‧flag

252‧‧‧ top surface

300‧‧‧elastic gasket

310‧‧‧Vertical

320‧‧‧buffer

312‧‧‧Inward projection

314‧‧‧ Groove

400‧‧‧Chain

402‧‧‧Chain

404‧‧‧ pigeon-shaped protrusion

406‧‧‧ recess

406a‧‧‧ longwall

406b‧‧‧Long Wall

406c‧‧‧ short wall

406d‧‧‧ short wall

410‧‧‧ outer wall

412‧‧‧ inner wall

414‧‧ ‧Bridge

420‧‧‧ spoon

422‧‧‧ fixture

424‧‧‧ fixture

426‧‧‧ fixture

428‧‧‧ fixture

430‧‧‧Handle

432‧‧‧ bowl

450‧‧‧ receiving bracket

452‧‧‧ receiving bracket

600‧‧‧flag

602‧‧‧ inner surface

604‧‧‧hemispherical protrusion

606‧‧‧ protrusion

D ₁ ‧‧‧ Direction

D ₂ ‧‧‧ Direction

D ₃ ‧‧‧Up direction

L ₅ ‧‧‧ length

R ₁ ‧‧‧ Constant radius

W ₁ ‧‧‧Width

W ₂ ‧‧‧Width

W ₃ ‧‧‧Width

_{1 1} ‧‧‧ angle

_{5 5} ‧‧‧ angle

The features and advantages of the general inventive concept are apparent from the following detailed description of the drawings.

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the container of Figure 1 showing the lid of the container in an open position; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 showing the lid of the container in an open position; Figure 4 is a view Figure 1 is an assembled view of the container of Figure 1 with the lid of the container in an open position; Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the lid and collar of Figure 1 showing the lid of the container in a closed position; Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the lid of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a plan view of the cover and collar of Figure 1 showing the lid of the container in an open position; Figure 8 is a bottom view of the lid and collar of Figure 1 showing the lid of the container in an open position; Figure 9 is Figure 1 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the circular area indicated by FIG. 2; FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the circular area indicated by FIG. 2; FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the circular area indicated by FIG. Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the circular area indicated in Figure 12 showing the actuator in a secured position; Figure 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing the circular area indicated by Figure 12 rotated about the top of the actuator away from the cover; Figure 15 is a view of Figure 12 showing the top of the actuator in a non-fastened position. Figure 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the container of Figure 1 showing the connection of the male member and the recess; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the receptacle of Figure 1; Figure 18 is a view showing the cover and neck of the container A top perspective view of the container of Figure 1 with the removed; Figure 19 is an enlarged view of a portion of the container of Figure 1 showing the lid of the container and the collar removed Figure 20 is a top view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 21 is a plan view of the seal of Figure 18; Figure 22 is a plan view of an exemplary seal of the prior art; Figure 23 is an enlarged plan view of the circular area indicated by Figure 21; Figure 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the container of Figure 1 with the lid of the container in an open position and the seal removed; and Figure 25 is a view showing the container of the container in an open position and the seal removed. perspective.

[Embodiment] The present embodiment merely illustrates an embodiment of the invention illustrating the general concept of the exemplary embodiments without trying to limit in any way the scope of the invention or the scope of the patent application. In fact, the invention as set forth in the claims is broadly and not limited by the exemplary embodiments described herein, and the terms used in the scope of the claims have their ordinary meanings.

The general inventive concept will now be discussed with reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, this general inventive concept may be presented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be more thorough and comprehensive, and the scope of the general inventive concept will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning meaning meaning The terms used in the present embodiments are merely illustrative of specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the general inventive concept. As the embodiment of this [patent] and scope of the appended used, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "one kind", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values, such as molecular weight properties, reaction conditions, percentages, etc., used in the specification and claims are It should be understood in all instances that the term "about" is modified. Accordingly, the property values recited in the specification and claims are approximations that can be varied in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The numerical ranges and parameters set forth in the broad scope of the general inventive concept are approximations, and the values stated in the specific examples are reported as accurately as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains a particular error that would otherwise be <RTIgt;

The present application describes a container for packaging, such as, for example, a container suitable for holding an infant formula powder. The container provides a storage method that facilitates the granule or powder product. The container provides improved durability, strength, sealing and convenience characteristics.

An embodiment of the invention features a container having a wall defining a interior space, a collar, a cover, and a buckle. This interior space is suitable for storing powder. The walls include an upper portion defining a sealing flange having an inner edge. The inner edge defines an opening to the interior space. The collar is attached to the upper portion. The cover is attached to the collar for positioning between an open position and a closed position. The cover is adapted to cover the opening when in the closed position. The buckle is attached to the outer surface of the cover. In providing increased ease of operation, the buckle can have an actuator that is rotatable relative to the cover in two directions and releasably engageable to the cassette. The tab protrudes from the outer surface of the container. The buckle can include a protrusion on the cover and the cassette can include a protrusion on the collar or container.

Another embodiment of the invention features a container having two first walls and two second walls, a collar, a cover, a buckle, and a seal. The two first walls are each wider than the two second walls to form an opening having a rectangular shape. The upper portion defines a sealing flange having an inner edge that defines an opening to the interior space. The collar is attached to the upper portion of the walls. The cover is attached to the collar for positioning between an open position and a closed position. The cover is adapted to cover the opening when in the closed position. The latch is attached to the outer surface of the cover and releasably engages the cassette. The seal protects the contents of the container after packaging, during shipping, and during storage prior to sale. The seal is removably attached to the sealing flange And covering the opening to the internal space. The seal includes a male member and defines a gripping surface for the consumer to grasp. In providing increased ease of operation, the male member is positioned along the first wall to prevent tearing during removal.

Another embodiment of the invention features a container having a wall, a collar, a cover, a buckle, and a flexible gasket. The upper portion defines a sealing flange having an inner edge that defines an opening to the interior space. The collar is attached to the upper portion of the walls. The cover is attached to the collar for positioning between an open position and a closed position. The cover is adapted to cover the opening when in the closed position. The latch is attached to the outer surface of the cover and releasably engages the cassette. The flexible gasket is positioned to extend from the inner surface of the collar to removably abut the sealing flange. The flexible gasket is configured to remain biased against the sealing flange when the lid is in the open position. The flexible shim has a vertical portion that is spaced apart from the inwardly projecting portion by a groove.

Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1-4 show a container 10 for holding a granule or powder product. The container is suitable for use in packaging at a manufacturing facility for sale in quantities greater than one use. The exemplary container discussed herein is suitable for packaging infant formula powders that are sold in multiple uses. However, it is to be understood that the invention may be practiced with any type of granule or powder product such as, for example, flour, coffee, and sugar, and any packaged granule or powder product.

Referring now to Figure 1, a container 10 having a receptacle 12, a collar 14 and a cover 16 is shown. The lid is hinged to the collar on the back side of the container. The user can rotate the cover between the closed position and the open position to access the interior space in the receptacle. In the assembly, the interior space of the receptacle is filled with powder. After the sealing layer is applied to the top of the receptacle to close the opening to the receptacle, the collar is fastened by snapping the protruding projection of the collar into the recess in the upper outer surface To the top of the seat. The inner surface of the cover includes a projection for removably securing the scoop. A container having this general type of structure is discussed in U.S. Patent No. 8,308,008, issued Nov. 13, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The receptacle 12 is formed to define an interior space 26 for storing powder. The receptacle 12 has a bottom wall and four side walls to generally form a cube having an open top. Opening 24 is provided It leads to the inlet of the interior space 26 suitable for storing powder products. During the packaging operation, the interior space is filled with powder and then sealed with a removable sealing layer. The exemplary receptacle 12 is shown having at least two opposing and generally rectangular sides and a rectangular bottom side, that is, it is generally rectangular hexahedral. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the receptacle 12 prior to assembly to other components of the container. It will be understood that the receptacle illustrated in the drawings is by way of example only, and in the practice of the invention, the walls of the container may be of alternate size, shape and configuration.

The exemplary receptacle 12 portion is formed by four vertical walls and a bottom wall. Referring to Figures 1-3, the receptacle 12 generally includes two first walls (or front and rear walls) and two second walls (or side walls). A top view of the bottom wall 28 is illustrated in FIG. Specifically, the first wall is the front wall 20a and the rear wall 20b, and the two second walls are the right side wall 22a and the left side wall 22b. Regarding the horizontal measurement along the outer surface of the container, the front wall 20a and the rear wall 20b are substantially the same width as the right wall 22a and the left wall 22b are substantially the same width. As shown in the figures, each of the front wall 20a and the rear wall 20b has a width greater than each of the right side wall 22a and the left side wall 22b. Thus, the walls of the exemplary receptacle 12 generally form a rectangular hexahedron shape.

The walls are constructed to allow the user to grip tightly during removal of the sealing layer. The front wall 20a has a recess 31a that is positioned to facilitate the user grasping the container 10 with one or more fingers. The rear wall 20b also has a recess 31b that is positioned to facilitate the user grasping the container 10 with one or more fingers. The pocket 31a can further have another pocket 32a to indicate the precise location of the single finger (such as, for example, a thumb) in the pocket 31a for placement of the user. The area of the recess 32a is smaller than the recess 31a. The recess 31b can further have another recess 32b to indicate the precise position of the desired finger in the recess 31b for placement of the user. The area of the recess 32b is smaller than the recess 31b. The pockets 32a and 32b are preferably circular in shape, but other shapes may be used in the practice of the invention.

The walls of the container also form an upper portion that is advantageously shaped for durability and strength. The upper portion defines a sealing flange having an inner edge defining an opening to the interior space. The upper The portion includes structural features that permit the fixed attachment of the collar to the cover after application of the sealing layer.

The container 10 is also suitable for stacking a plurality of units to maximize the number of containers per cubic foot by increasing the number of containers per unit stack height and thereby increasing the number of containers per shipping station. As shown in FIG. 1, the dovetail 404 is located on top of the cover 16. The projection 404 is co-formed into a pocket 406 (visible in Figure 20) that is inserted into the bottom wall 28 of the receptacle 12. The pocket is formed by two oppositely projecting short walls 406c, 406d and two relatively concave long walls 406a, 406b. It is believed that the dovetail 404 and the dove shaped pocket 406 also promote locking between successive stacked containers, i.e., the stack formed by the plurality of containers is more resistant to twisting along the stack height.

Referring now to Figures 4, 17 and 18, the upper portion 40 of the receptacle 12 is adapted to secure the attachment collar. One or more engagement pockets or depressions 50 are circumferentially spaced around the upper portion of the receptacle. The pockets 50 are laterally spaced apart by the reinforcing bridge 52. The spaced apart bridge 52 is configured to impart improved strength and stiffness properties to the upper portion 40 of the receptacle 12, thereby improving the buckling strength of the container and the stiffness of the upper portion 40 when the collar 14 is installed with the receptacle 12.

The upper part of the receptacle includes additional stabilizing features. As described herein, the upper portion 40 of the receptacle provides stability to the protruding projections of the collar. As shown in FIG. 17, the upper portion 40 includes a flat surface 42 above the pocket 50 and the bridge 52. The flat surface 42 has a length that provides a backing surface to prevent movement of the male member. For example, FIG. 16 shows an exemplary male member 54 having an inner surface 56. The projection 54 is prevented from moving in the direction toward the internal space 26. As best seen in FIG. 5, the spine 60 extends along the length of the projection 54 between the male member and the inner wall 150 of the collar 12. This configuration increases the reinforcement and stability of the collar and cover attachment by preventing the projection 54 from moving in a direction away from the interior space 26. This configuration is superior to known bridge and recess connections.

As shown in the assembled view of FIG. 4, the collar 14 and the cover 16 are attached to the upper portion 40 of the receptacle 12 to complete the assembly of the container 10. A perspective view of the collar 14 and the bottom of the cover 16 in the closed position is shown in Figure 5, and the collar and the cover are shown in the open position in Figures 8 and 9. In the illustrated example and as best shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cover 16 and the collar 14 are A uniform member is joined by two folding hinges 400, 402. With regard to the hinges 400, 402, the cover can be positioned between the open position and the closed position relative to the collar.

Referring now to the collar 14 and FIG. 11, the upwardly projecting flag 250 is positioned on the top surface 252 of the collar 14. As shown, for example, in FIG. 14, the flag 250 is located at the center of the collar to engage the cover to a position between the inner wall 412 and the outer wall 410 of the cover 16. In particular, the exemplary flag 250 is nested within two receiving brackets 450, 452 (see Figures 8 and 10) that extend outwardly from the inner wall 412 of the cover 16. The configuration of the brackets 450, 452 and the flag 250 increases the engagement of the cover with the collar and permits fingertip operation of the latch mechanism.

Still referring to the collar 14, the downwardly extending flag 600 can best be seen in FIG. The flag 600 is positioned behind the inner surface 602 of the collar and substantially below the upwardly projecting flag 250. Where the collar 14 is attached to the receptacle 12, the flag 600 contacts the hemispherical projection 604 on the outer surface of the front side of the receptacle 12 (see Figure 4). A similarly shaped projection 606 is shown in Figures 17 and 18 on the back side of the receptacle. Contact of the flag 600 with the protrusion 604 increases the reinforcement of the collar 14 and the receptacle 12, as well as the reinforcement of the collar 14 and the cover 16.

The structure of the cover 16 increases the overall stability and strength of the container 10. To emphasize specific structural features, a bottom perspective view of the cover 16 without the collar 14 is shown in FIG. The cover has an outer wall 410 and an inner wall 412. Each wall 410, 412 is vertically lowered in the direction of the collar 14 such as, for example, in the closed position as shown in FIG. In the exemplary cover 16, the walls 410, 412 are parallel and the outer wall 410 extends downwardly below the inner wall 412. As can be seen, for example, in Figures 6, 8, and 10, a plurality of bridges 414 extend between the walls 410, 412 to increase the stability of the cover during engagement and disengagement with the collar.

The lid 16 can store the spoon 420 when not in use. The scoop 420 is stored between the clamps 422, 424, 426, 428 extending from the bottom side of the cover 16. Spoon 420 is shown, for example, in Figure 5, but for clarity, the scoop is not included in the other figures. The clamps 422, 424, 426, 428 are positioned only to secure the handle 430 of the spoon, while allowing the spoon to have bowls 432 of different shapes, sizes, and volumes. The clamps 422, 424, 426, 428 are merely examples, and other The present invention is embodied in a clamp of position, size, shape and number.

The container includes a latch for manipulating the lid from an engaged position relative to the collar to a non-engaged position relative to the collar. The actuator provides the user with precise fingertip control of the buckle without the user engaging or contacting the surface of the cover or collar. Many conventional collar and lid latching mechanisms require the user to support the lid or collar with one or more fingers when opening the lid. However, the stability and strength provided by the assembly of the receptacle, collar, and cover of the present invention allows the lock to be easily handled.

Depending on the single component that moves the latch with the fingertip, the user can move the cover between the engaged and non-engaged positions of the opposing collar. The latch includes an actuator that is rotatable relative to the cover in two directions and releasably engageable to the cassette. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 and 13-15, for example, the actuator is located on the front side of the cover and the click protrudes beyond the outer surface of the collar.

An enlarged front perspective view of the striker 200 is shown in Figure 9, which shows an enlarged perspective view of the circular area indicated in Figure 1. The actuator 202 is rotatable relative to the horizontal axis of the container 10. The actuator is generally coin shaped, i.e., has a rounded face and provides a thickness for the top 204 and bottom 206 that are easily graspable. Of course, in manipulating the actuator, the user can contact the actuator 202 at any one or more points, such as by using one or more fingers in the recessed front surface 208, for example. It should be understood that the illustrated actuator 202 is merely an example, and that other shapes and sizes of actuators can be used to implement the present invention.

The actuator is adapted to be attached to a cassette on the outer surface of the container. The adapter includes a toothed member 218 that projects from the inner surface of the actuator 202, as best shown in FIG. The toothed member 218 is reinforced on the bottom surface by two support members 222. As shown in Figure 13, when the actuator engages the bottom surface of the cassette 220, the supports prevent downward movement of the tooth 218. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11, the cassette is supported on the top surface by a support member 223. As shown in FIG. 13, when the actuator 202 engages the bottom surface of the cassette 220, the support member 223 prevents the cassette 220 from moving upward. Movement of the sagittal toothed member 218 in the downward direction beyond the cassette 220 produces an audible engagement, thereby informing the user that the cover 16 is secured in the closed position.

The actuator provides the user with precise fingertip control. For example, the actuator can be rotated in both directions relative to the container. As described herein, the top of the buckle can be unscrewed toward the cover. When the cover is moved to the open position and released, as shown in Figure 13, the actuator is passively returned to the rest position. If the user does not move the cover to the open position after rotating the actuator toward the cover, but only releases the actuator, the actuator is passively returned to the rest position, as shown in FIG. The user can open the cover by simply operating the actuator with his fingertips.

Actuator 202 includes several structural features that are facilitated by rotation by a user. Two bridges 210 extend from the front side 214 of the cover 16 to support the actuator 202. Thus, the inner surface 212 of the actuator 202 in the closed position as shown in FIG. 13 is disposed at the distal end of each of the outer surface 214 of the cover 16 and the outer surface 216 of the collar 14. This configuration allows the top 204 of the actuator to rotate in both directions relative to the container. For example, FIG. 14 the top 202 of the actuator 204 has left cover 16 in the rotational direction D _1. In this position, the toothed member 218 is still engaged with the latch 220. However, in FIG. 15, the top portion 204 has a direction toward the lid rotation D _2. Thus, the bottom 206 of the actuator has disengaged from the cassette 220. Further movement of the actuator in the upward direction D ₃ will move the cover to the open position. Alternatively, the user can rotate the bottom of the actuator away from the cover to disengage the actuator from the cassette.

Referring again to Figure 9, other structural benefits of the latch assembly are shown. The actuator mounted in an extended position away from the outer surface of the container is susceptible to damage. For example, an actuator may inadvertently collide during consumer use on a production line, in transit, or in a kitchen or bathroom. Lateral forces can damage the actuator and otherwise compromise the precise operation of the latching mechanism. To prevent this damage, the actuator is protected by a bumper on either side.

As seen in Figure 9, the cover 16 includes a bumper 230 on either side of the actuator 202. Each of the buffers 230 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the cover 16. The T-shaped bumper includes a horizontal support 234 that supports a vertical wall 232 adjacent the actuator 202. Each horizontal support member 234 has a progressively away from the cover outer surface 236 in the direction toward the actuator 202 (see also, for example, Figure 5). The outer surface 236 is configured to bias the laterally moving object relative to the container to the actuator External and leave the actuator. The shape of the horizontal support 234 and the general positioning of the bumper prevent damage to the actuator. It should be understood that the illustrated buffer 320 is merely an example, and that other shapes, sizes, and numbers of buffers may be used to implement the present invention.

The cover 16 also includes a structure that limits the movement of the actuator. Referring again to Figure 9, the engagement block 240 is positioned on the cover. The concave surface 242 within the engagement block is illustrated in FIG. The engagement block is co-formed relative to the actuator and positioned to limit rotation of the top 204 of the actuator in a direction toward the cover. For example, FIG. 15 illustrates the actuator being in a position prior to contact between the top 204 of the actuator 202 and the engagement block 240. In this configuration, the rotation of the actuator is limited in one direction and, when contacting the engagement block, prompts the user that no further rotation is required and the cover can be moved to the open position. It should be understood that the illustrated engagement block 240 is merely an example, and that other shapes, sizes, and numbers of blocks may be used to implement the present invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a flexible gasket. The flexible gasket is attached to the inner wall of the collar and is sized to protrude inwardly to releasably abut against the sealing flange 30 of the receptacle 12, as depicted, for example, in Figures 13-16 Show that the cover is in the closed position. The flexible gasket 300 projects slightly downwardly against the sealing flange 30 to provide an improved sealed configuration. The flexible gasket 300 remains biased against the sealing flange 30 when the lid is in the open position, as shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 13 with the seal attached and Figure 24 with the seal removed, the flexible gasket 300 extends internally to protrude beyond the inner edge 24 of the sealing flange 30. When the cover 16 is closed, as in FIG. 13, the flexible spacer 300 is removably positioned between the inner wall 412 of the cover 16 and the sealing flange 30.

The flexible gasket 300 has several inventive features that are beneficial to the sealing performance of the container. As best seen in FIG. 13, the flexible shim includes a vertical portion 310 spaced apart from the inwardly projecting portion 312 by a recess 314. The vertical portion extends upwardly to an upper seating surface 252 that surrounds the outer circumference of the collar. The groove extends around the periphery of the flexible gasket 300. The groove reduces the gasket resistance during removal of the seal by providing a void that can be bent into the inward end of the inward projection 312. Furthermore, it is believed that the groove 314 provides as a relatively small amount of moisture before the seal is removed. The gathering position in a position away from one of the seals and the gathering position away from the powder after removing the seal.

As described herein, seals are used to protect the contents of the container during storage, prior to shipping and prior to shipment. The sealing layer can help to maintain freshness or indicate goodness. Any suitable sealing material can be selected, such as, for example, a material suitable for protecting the contents from moisture, oxygen, and light. The sealing layer can include a protrusion that facilitates removal of the sealing layer by the end user. Any gasket used in the container is attached directly to the collar during manufacture and, therefore, the gasket will not interfere with subsequent consumer removal of the seal. During the removal process, the lid will be in the open position and the gasket will bend upwards and deflect away from the seal.

Referring now to Figure 18, there is shown a receptacle prior to assembly to the collar. In the packaging stage, the container contains the powder product and the sealing layer has been attached to the top surface of the receptacle. The seal is constructed of a material that is substantially moisture impermeable, oxygen impermeable, such as, for example, aluminum foil, or a foil made of some other metallic material, or a layer of material that may include layers of metals, polymers, and other materials. The combination.

In the packaging process, the seal is attached to the outer surface of the receptacle. The seal is attached to the receptacle by a pressing operation. As shown in Figure 19, the seal extends downwardly from the upper outer surface to the wedge surface 44. In the exemplary seals shown, an indentation pattern is already present on the top surface of the seal. Specifically, the inner concave pattern 73a is complementary to the shape of the recess 73b outside the boundary of the sealing flange of the receptacle. In an implementation of the invention, an alternative indentation pattern may be present on the top surface of the seal or there may be no indentation pattern on the top surface of the seal.

A top view of an exemplary seal 70 is illustrated in FIG. The seal includes a projection 72 extending from the container for the user to grasp. The seal is shaped by two opposing and longer sides 74a, 74b and two opposite and shorter sides 76a, 76b. The projection 72 is disposed along the short side. In the illustrated exemplary seal, the male member 72 is disposed along the short side 76a.

As shown in Figure 18, when the seal 70 is attached to the receptacle 12, the male member is disposed along the right side wall 22a. This seal location is merely an example, and in practicing this embodiment of the invention, the seal may be located at other locations along the right side wall 22a, or at other locations along the left side wall 22b.

The seal 70 has other inventive features that are beneficial to the tear resistance of the user during removal of the holder. An enlarged top view of the circular area indicated in Fig. 21 is shown in Fig. 23. The seal generally includes a cover portion 90, a male portion 94, and a transition portion 92. The cover 90 extends over the sealing flange of the receptacle to seal the interior space. The transition portion 92 is disposed between the cover portion and the grip portion and includes several inventive features that reduce tearing during removal of the seal. In the description of the transition portion 92 substantially from the cover portion 23 (i.e., approximately from the contact end of the receptacle of the seal line 100) extends to a boundary line 102 having a constant radius R ₁ of the projection member. As shown, the constant radius R ₁ of the distal end 98 of the male member 72 is an angle α _{1 which} , as illustrated, is greater than 180 degrees. An angle of more than 180 degrees allows for certain features such as, for example, the projection 72 does not have a flat edge surface. This exemplary angle is merely an example, and other angles in excess of 180 degrees may be used in the practice of this embodiment of the invention.

The projections 72 illustrated in Figures 21 and 23 have other features that reduce the ability of the user to tear the seal during removal of the seal. The width of the protrusion 72 is reduced between the transition portion 92 and the grip portion 94. The sinusoidal outer edge of the male member 72 is enlarged by the width of the male member from the covering portion 90 to the distal end 98 of the male member. Clear words, since the width of the two opposite points of the transition portion 100a, 100b of the maximum width W ₂ is changed to the minimum width W _1, and then expanded to a width W equal to the diameter of the gripping portion 94 of ₃ again. This width is in fact constantly changing from one end of the male member to the other such that the male member 72 does not have a flat edge surface.

Prior art seals for reference are shown in FIG. The seal 80 includes a projection 82 at a corner between the short side 84 and the long side 86. The shape and position of the seal is susceptible to accidental and undesired tearing by the user during removal of the seal. The tearing of the seal may delay the end user from taking the powder, which may result in powder leakage if the end user seeks to provide a method of obtaining the powder. The system described by the projection member 82 and two parallel straight sides 82a, 82b define, each side having the same length L _5. The distal end 82c of the male member 82 has a constant radius in the range of angle α ₅ which, as illustrated, is no greater than 180 degrees.

The shape of the projection 72 of the present invention provides a significant improvement over the tear resistance of conventional projections. In fact, the test of the shape of the projection of the present invention produces unexpected performance. In the tear resistance test, the shape of the projections of Figs. 21 and 23 is significantly better than the shape of the projection of Fig. 22. In the test, the positive tear test was caused by the user tearing any part of the foil seal during the removal. The convex shape 80 for reference exhibits a 90% ratio of tear at a point during removal. In other words, only 10% of the seal having the convex shape 80 can be completely removed from the receptacle without a slight tear. The test of the male member of the present invention produced a tear of only 10%. Specifically, at least 70% of the seal having the shape projection 72 of the present invention is removed or 50% peeled from the receptacle without tearing. At least 30% of the seal having the shape projection 72 of the present invention is removed or 100% peeled from the receptacle without tearing. One reason for the significant increase in tear resistance is that the shape of the male member of the present invention does not promote any tear propagation point along the outer edge of the male member as compared to the shape of the male member known in the related art. Another reason for the significant increase in tear resistance is that the force required to remove the seal in the container of the present invention is reduced compared to the known container, in part due to the shape of the gasket of the present invention ( Such as, for example, a groove in a gasket.

The various aspects, concepts, and features of the general inventive concept are set forth and described herein in the context of various exemplary embodiments, which may be individually or in various combinations and subcombinations thereof. Used in many alternative embodiments. All such combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of the general inventive concept. Furthermore, various alternatives to the various aspects, concepts, and characteristics of the present invention (such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, alternatives to forms, assemblies, and functions, etc.) may be set forth herein. The embodiments, however, are not intended to be exhaustive or comprehensive as an alternative embodiment currently known or later developed. Make a list. Even if the embodiments are not explicitly disclosed herein, one skilled in the art can readily utilize one or more of the aspects, concepts, or features of the present invention in other embodiments and uses in the general inventive concept. In addition, although some features, concepts, or aspects of the invention may be described herein as a preferred configuration or method, the description is not intended to be necessary or necessary. In addition, the exemplifications and the scope of the present invention may be included in the present disclosure, and the scope and scope are not intended to be construed as a limitation. In addition, although various aspects, features, and concepts may be specified herein as part of the invention or as part of the invention, the identification is not intended to be exclusive, and conversely, may be fully described in the text, and Aspects, concepts, and features of the invention in a particular invention or a particular invention. Except as otherwise expressly stated, the description of the exemplary methods or processes is not limited to including all the steps as required in all cases, and is not limited to the order in which the steps are explained as necessary or necessary.

Claims (12)

A container comprising: a wall defining an interior space and an upper portion, the upper portion defining a sealing flange having an inner edge, the sealing flange defining an opening to the interior space; a collar attached to the upper portion; a cover Attached to the collar for positioning between an open position and a closed position, and adapted to cover the opening in a closed position; and a buckle attached to an outer surface of the cover, the buckle having a relative The cover is rotatable in both directions and releasably engages the actuator of the cassette, the latch protruding from the outer surface of the collar; wherein the cover further includes limiting the top of the actuator in a direction toward the cover Rotating co-molded engagement blocks. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top of the actuator is rotatable in either direction about a horizontal axis. A container according to claim 1, wherein a toothed member protrudes from an inner surface of the actuator. The container of claim 3, wherein the tooth member moves in a downward direction beyond the click to produce an audible engagement. A container according to claim 1, wherein the top of the actuator is rotated in a direction toward the cover and raised upwardly in conjunction with the bottom of the actuator to disengage the actuator from the click. The container of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the actuator rotates in a direction away from the cover to disengage the actuator from the cassette. The container of claim 1 wherein the inner surface of the actuator is disposed in the closed position at a distal end of each of the outer surface of the cover and the outer surface of the collar. A container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the top of the actuator is rotatable in either direction relative to the cover in the closed position. The container of claim 1, wherein the collar further comprises a flag that protrudes upwardly, the flag being positioned to nest behind the engagement block when the cover is in the closed position. The container of claim 1 wherein the top of the actuator is biased away from the cover when the cover is in the closed position. The container of claim 1 wherein the top of the actuator is biased away from the cover when the cover is in the open position. A container comprising: a wall defining an interior space and an upper portion, the upper portion defining a sealing flange having an inner edge, the sealing flange defining an opening to the interior space; a collar attached to the upper portion; a cover Attached to the collar for positioning between an open position and a closed position, and adapted to cover the opening in a closed position; and a buckle attached to an outer surface of the cover, the buckle having a relative The cover is rotatable in both directions and releasably engages the actuator of the cassette, the latch protruding from the outer surface of the collar; wherein the cover further includes a bumper on either side of the actuator, Each of the dampers protrudes outwardly from the outer surface of the cover.