US20140374428A1 - Container and cap - Google Patents
Container and cap Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140374428A1 US20140374428A1 US14/356,508 US201214356508A US2014374428A1 US 20140374428 A1 US20140374428 A1 US 20140374428A1 US 201214356508 A US201214356508 A US 201214356508A US 2014374428 A1 US2014374428 A1 US 2014374428A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- lip
- curled lip
- opening
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
- B65D41/10—Caps or cap-like covers adapted to be secured in position by permanent deformation of the wall-engaging parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D7/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal
- B65D7/12—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls
- B65D7/40—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls with walls formed with filling or emptying apertures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
- B65D25/40—Nozzles or spouts
- B65D25/42—Integral or attached nozzles or spouts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
- B65D41/16—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers
- B65D41/18—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers non-metallic, e.g. made of paper or plastics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00648—Flange or lip
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00694—Segments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/00759—Flange or lip
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00805—Segments
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
Abstract
A container (100) comprising: a substantially circular opening (406); and a radially projecting curled lip (408) extending around the opening for securing a substantially circular cap over the opening by way of a snap-fit, wherein the radial dimension of the curled lip varies around the opening.
Description
- The invention relates to a container comprising an opening to which a cap may be snap-fitted. The invention also relates to a cap for snap-fitting to a container opening. The invention also relates to a container and a cap, the cap being configured to snap-fit to an opening of a container.
- Containers for storing material may have openings from which the material stored therein may be dispensed. It may be desirable to fit a cap to such openings to prevent any unplanned exit of material from the container and also to seal the opening and prevent degradation of the material.
- A particular type of container is used to store liquids and comprises a circular opening and a curled lip formed around the circumference of the opening. A cap may be snap-fitted to the opening about the curled lip and thereby retained in position.
- The force required to snap-fit a cap to an opening comprising a curled lip may be large, in the region of 400 N. This may result in caps being incorrectly or only partially fitted. This may be because the machine used in fitting the cap may not administer the requisite force to securely fit the cap to the opening of the container. Alternatively, if the force required to fit a cap to a container is too large then the curled lip may bend away from the cap during fitting and prevent a snap-fit from occurring. An incorrectly or only partially fitted cap may result in the cap detaching from the container allowing the material stored therein to exit the container. In addition, an incorrectly or only partially fitted cap may result in an insufficient seal between the cap and the opening allowing the material stored therein to degrade.
- According to a first aspect of the invention a container comprises a substantially circular opening; and a radially projecting curled lip extending around the opening for securing a substantially circular cap over the opening by way of a snap-fit, wherein the radial dimension of the curled lip varies around the opening.
- The varying radial dimension of the curled lip allows a cap to deform out-of-round during snap-fitting to the opening. Regions of the perimeter of the cap may deform radially outward to fit over the regions of the curled lip having greater radial dimension while other regions of the cap may deform radially inwardly. The force required to produce deformation out-of-round is less than the force required to deform the entire perimeter of the cap radially outward. Therefore, the amount of force required to fit the cap to the opening is reduced without significantly affecting the security of the fit of the cap to the opening. A reduction in required fitting force may lead to a higher proportion of caps being securely and fully fitted to containers.
- As used herein, the term “deform out-of-round” encompasses the distortion of a shape such that the geometry of the perimeter of the shape changes. The deformation of a shape out-of-round may result in the length of the perimeter of the shape remaining substantially constant. However, some increase in the length of the perimeter may be experienced. By way of example, a circle may deform out-of-round to form an ellipse having a circumference substantially equal to that of the circle.
- Additionally, by varying the radial dimension of the curled lip, the container may be used in conjunction with existing caps.
- Optionally, the curled lip projects radially outward.
- For the avoidance of doubt, the term “radially projecting” encompasses inward radial extension and outward radial extension.
- Optionally, the varying radial dimension provides the curled lip with two or more radially projecting wings.
- The wings may provide the regions of the curled lip around which the perimeter of a cap may deform outwardly. The regions between the wings may provide areas between the curled lip and a wall of the cap into which the wall of the cap may deform inwardly. Therefore, the wings and regions between the wings allow for a cap to deform out-of-round during snap-fitting to the opening.
- Optionally, the curled lip comprises two wings around the circumference of the opening.
- The use of two wings may allow for a large deformation out-of-round of the cap and, therefore, a large reduction in the force required to snap-fit a cap to the opening.
- Optionally, the curled lip comprises four wings around the circumference of the opening.
- The use of four wings allows for a secure fit of a cap to the opening as the curled lip may retain the cap at four places around the circumference of the cap.
- Optionally, the radial dimension of the curled lip varies between a minimum dimension in the range 0 mm to 1.5 mm and a maximum dimension in the range 1.6 mm to 2.5 mm.
- Optionally, the radial dimension of the curled lip varies between a minimum dimension in the range 0.5 mm to 1 mm and a maximum dimension in the range 1.8 mm to 2 mm.
- Optionally, the radial dimension of the curled lip varies between a minimum dimension and a maximum dimension, wherein the minimum dimension is in the range from 0% to 75% of maximum dimension.
- Optionally, the minimum dimension is in the range from 20% to 55% of the maximum dimension.
- Optionally, the varying radial dimension of the curled lip is arranged to require a maximum force of 300 N to snap-fit a cap about the curled lip.
- Optionally, the required maximum force may be 200 N.
- Optionally, the required maximum force may be 140 N
- Optionally, the required force in the range from 100 N to 150 N.
- According to a second aspect of the invention a substantially circular cap for snap-fitting to a substantially circular opening of a container comprises: a resiliently deformable wall; and a radially projecting lip extending around the wall for securing the cap over a curled lip extending around the opening, wherein the radial dimension of the lip varies around the wall.
- By varying the radial dimension of the lip of the cap the cap is allowed to deform out-of-round when snap-fitting to a container opening. That is, regions of the lip deform to occupy the space between the curled lip of a container and the radially thinner regions of the lip. As discussed above with respect to the invention in a first aspect, this allows a reduction in the force required to fit the cap.
- In addition, by varying the radial dimension of the lip, the cap may be used in conjunction with existing containers comprising curled lips formed about an opening.
- Optionally, the varying radial dimension of the lip provides the lip with two or more radially projecting wings.
- Optionally, the cap further comprises a substantially circular inner plug configured to mate within a substantially circular opening of a container, wherein an annular cavity is defined between the inner plug and the resiliently deformable wall to accommodate a curled lip formed around the opening.
- Optionally, the curled lip forms a continuous arc.
- Optionally, a first section of the curled lip extends radially inwardly and a second section of the curled lip extends radially outwardly.
- Optionally, the maximum radially projecting wings, the second section of the curled lip continues until the curled lip extends vertically downward.
- Optionally, the curled lip forms a rounded inner edge of the substantially circular opening.
- Optionally, at the radially projecting wings, the curled lip forms a rounded outer edged of the substantially circular opening.
- According to a third aspect of the invention a container and a cap are provided, the cap being configured to snap-fit to a substantially circular opening of the container, wherein the container comprises a radially projecting curled lip extending around the opening, and the cap comprises a resiliently deformable wall and a radially projecting lip extending around the wall, and wherein a radial dimension of the curled lip varies around the opening or a radial dimension of the lip varies around the wall.
- Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a known container; -
FIG. 1 b is a section through a top plate of a known container during manufacture; -
FIG. 1 c is a section through a top plate of a known container; -
FIG. 2 is a section through a known cap; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a known cap fitted to a known container; -
FIG. 4 a is a plan view of the top of a first container according to the invention; -
FIG. 4 b is a first section through a top plate of a container according to the invention; -
FIG. 4 c is a second section through a top plate of a container according to the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a partial section through a cap fitted to a container; -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the top of a second container according to the invention; and -
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the base of a cap according to the invention. - The inventors have appreciated that a reduction in the force required to fit a cap to an opening of a container without significantly reducing the security of the fit may be desirable. The reduced force required to fit the cap may lead to a greater proportion of caps being fitted correctly and fully. The inventors have further appreciated that deforming a substantially circular shaped cap out-of-round requires less force than deforming a substantially circular shaped cap to be a larger (i.e. greater diameter) substantially circular shaped cap.
- In view of the above, the inventors have invented a container and a cap that result in a reduced force required to fit a cap to a container.
-
FIG. 1 a shows a perspective view of acontainer 100 known in the prior art. Thecontainer 100 may be for storing fruit syrup and comprises atop plate 102, abody 104 and a base (not shown). Anopening 106 is formed in thetop plate 102. Theopening 106 has formed around it a radially projecting curledlip 108. -
FIGS. 1 b and 1 c show two sections through thetop plate 102 of the knowncontainer 100 at different stages of manufacture. - To manufacture the
opening 106 and the curledlip 108 in atop plate 102 for a container 100 a piercing tool is passed through thetop plate 102.FIG. 1 b shows a section through atop plate 102 after the piercing tool has been passed through it. Thetop plate 102 ofFIG. 1 b comprises achimney 110, which defines anaperture 112. Theaperture 112 will form theopening 106 of thecontainer 100. The wall of thechimney 110 is formed by the area of thetop plate 102 that has been forced out by the piercing tool when it is passed through thetop plate 102 to define theaperture 112. A crimpedregion 114 is formed around the periphery of thetop plate 102 and is used in conjunction with a complimentary crimped region on thebody 104 to create a double seam to attach thetop plate 102 to thebody 104. - After the
top plate 102 has been pierced to define thechimney 110, the wall of thechimney 110 may be curled down using a curling tool to define a curledlip 108.FIG. 1 c shows a section through atop plate 102 after the wall of thechimney 110 has been curled down.FIG. 1 c therefore shows theopening 106 and the curledlip 108. The curled lip has aradial dimension 109. The radial dimension is defined from the circumference of the opening to radial limit of the curledlip 108. - Further detail of the manufacture of containers of the type discussed above is disclosed in European Patent number EP 0521637.
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FIG. 2 shows a section through a knowncircular cap 200. Thecap 200 comprises a resilientlydeformable wall 202. Thecap 200 further comprises aninner plug 204. The resilientlydeformable wall 202 is manufactured to have a diameter greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the curledlip 108 of thecontainer 100 to which thecap 200 is to be fitted. Alip 208 extends around the resilientlydeformable wall 202. InFIG. 2 , thelip 208 is shown to be integral to thewall 202. However, in other embodiments, thelip 208 may be formed separately and attached to thewall 202. Thelip 208 has aradial dimension 206. Theradial dimension 206 is configured to define aninternal diameter 209 of thecap 200 that is less than the outer diameter of the curledlip 108 of thecontainer 100 to which thecap 200 is to be fitted. Thelip 208 is configured to be retained by the curledlip 108 of thecontainer 100 when thecap 200 is fitted to thecontainer 100. - The
cap 200 is snap-fitted to thecontainer 100 by applying a force to the cap to stretch the resilientlydeformable wall 202 of thecap 200 over the curledlip 108 of thecontainer 100. As theinternal diameter 209 of thecap 200 is less than the outer diameter of the curledlip 108, thewall 202 is forced radially outward by the force applied to the cap. The resilientlydeformable wall 202 of thecap 200 is stretched to increase its diameter such that thelip 208 of thecap 200 is able to pass over the curledlip 108 of thecontainer 100. Once thelip 208 has passed over the end of the curledlip 108, the resilientlydeformable wall 202 returns to its original diameter. Thelip 208 is thereby retained by the end of the curledlip 108 preventing thecap 200 from being removed from thecontainer 100. -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a knowncap 200 fitted to a knowncontainer 100. -
FIG. 4 a shows a plan view of acontainer 400 according to an embodiment of the invention. Thecontainer 400 comprises atop plate 402 and a substantiallycircular opening 406. A radially projecting curledlip 408 extends around theopening 406. The curledlip 408 projects radially outward from the centre of theopening 406 as shown in greater detail inFIGS. 4 b and 4 c. In alternative embodiments the radially projecting curledlip 408 may project inwardly toward the centre of theopening 406. For the avoidance of doubt it is noted here that radial extension can be one of outward from the centre of theopening 406 or inward toward the centre of theopening 406. - The curled
lip 408 may be formed using the method described above in relation toFIG. 1 but sections may be cut from the chimney before it is curled down to form a curledlip 408 having a varying radial extension. Alternatively, the curledlip 408 may be curled down and then sections may be removed to form a curledlip 408 having a varying radial extension. - The radial dimension of the radially projecting curled
lip 408 varies around the circumference of theopening 406. Specifically, the curledlip 408 comprises two radially projectingwings regions wings wings wings - In embodiments the
container 400 may be manufactured from metal. In particular embodiments, thecontainer 400 may be manufactured from steel. The thickness of the steel off thetop plate 402 may be in the range from 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. In particular embodiments, the thickness of the steel may be 0.24 mm. -
FIG. 4 b shows asection 4 b-4 b through thetop plate 402 of thecontainer 400. Referring toFIG. 4 c there is shown asection 4 c-4 c through thetop plate 402 of thecontainer 400. InFIG. 4 b, theregions lip 408 between thewings radial dimension 409. InFIG. 4 c, thewings radial dimension 410. Theradial dimensions opening 406 to the outer radial dimension of the curledlip 408. Therefore, the radial dimension of the curledlip 408 may vary between a minimumradial dimension 409 and a maximumradial dimension 410. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 4 b and 4 c, theopening 406 is formed in the centre of a circulartop plate 402 configured to fit on top of sidewalls of acontainer 400. A crimped region is used to secure the circulartop plate 402 to the sidewalls. As can be seen fromFIGS. 4 a-4 c, the diameter of theopening 406 is less than the diameter of thetop plate 402. - The curled
lip 408 may extend to form a continuous arc from a surface of thetop plate 402 to an end of the curledlip 408. The continuous arc may extend radially inwardly before arcing outwards to extend radially outwardly. In exemplary containers, theregions lip 408 between thewings lip 408 is horizontal (or parallel to the top plate 402). In exemplary containers, thewings lip 408 may curve round in a continuous arc from until the curledlip 408 is pointing vertically down (or parallel to the sidewalls). The curledlip 408 therefore forms a continuous curve to the end of the curledlip 408. In specific embodiments, a section through the curledlip 408 follows a circular path to the end of the curledlip 408. - In
exemplary containers 400, the sides of theopening 406 may comprise a circular chamfered region angled upwards and radially inwards toward the curledlip 408. The chamfered region elevates the curled lip away from an upper surface of thetop plate 402 to allow room for a cap to be fitted. The curledlip 408 may extend from the inner edge of the chamfered region and curve around in an arc to extend radially outward. - The curled
lip 408 provides a rounded surface on the inner edge of the curled lip that defines theopening 406. This helps aninner plug 204 of a cap to be easily located in theopening 406, as any misalignment will be corrected by the curved inner surface of the curledlip 408. At thewings lip 408 provides a rounded outer surface. This reduces the amount of force required to fit a cap by snap-fit. Additionally, at thewings - The minimum
radial dimension 409 may be in the range from 0 mm to 1.5 mm. The maximumradial dimension 410 may be in the range from 1.6 mm to 2.5 mm. In other embodiments, the minimumradial dimension 409 may be in the range from 0.5 mm to 1 mm. The maximumradial dimension 410 may be in the range from 1.8 mm to 2 mm. In a specific embodiment, the maximum radial dimension may be 1.975 mm. - In other embodiments, the minimum
radial dimension 409 may be in the range from 0% to 75% of the maximumradial dimension 410. More specifically, the minimumradial dimension 409 may be in the range from 20% to 55% of the maximumradial dimension 410. - A
cap 200 may be configured to snap fit to theopening 406 of thecontainer 400. Awall 202 of thecap 200 may be configured to have a diameter greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the curledlip 408 defined by thewings lip 208 extends around the internal face of thewall 202. Thelip 208 defines aninternal diameter 209 that is less than the outer diameter of the curledlip 408 defined by thewings lip 408 defined by theregions wings wall 202 of thecap 200 may be formed from a resiliently deformable material such as a plastics material. - When fitting the
cap 200 to theopening 406, thecap 200 may be rested on thewings cap 200 to snap-fit it to theopening 406. - When the force is applied to the
cap 200, the resilientlydeformable wall 202 is deformed radially outwardly at the regions of thewall 202 where thelip 208 is required to pass over thewings wall 202 where thelip 208 is required to pass over theregions wings wall 202 is deformed radially inward. The circumference of thewall 202 may remain substantially the same before and after deformation. In practical embodiments there may be some extension of the circumference of thewall 202. However, the extension of the circumference will be decreased with respect to the known caps and containers discussed above. - Therefore, the
wall 202 of the cap is deformed out-of-round to form a lobed shape or, put another way, a “flattened” circle. Such deformation of thewall 202 out-of-round requires less force than the radial expansion of theentire wall 202 to define a greater diameter. Therefore, thecontainer 400 requires a reduced force to be applied to acap 200 in order to fit it to theopening 406 of thecontainer 400. - Once the
lip 208 of thecap 200 has passed the ends of the curledlip 408 at thewings wall 202 may return to its original substantially circular shape and thelip 208 thereby retains thecap 200 on thecontainer 400 as described previously. -
FIG. 5 shows a section through acap 200 fitted to anopening 406. Thelip 208 is shown below the end of thewing lip 408. As such, thecap 200 cannot be lifted from thecontainer 400 without application of a significant force. A seal is provided by interference fit between theinner plug 204 of the cap and the curledlip opening 406 such that the curledlip inner plug 204 to form a seal. - In embodiments, the varying radial dimension of the curled
lip 408 of thecontainer 400 may be arranged such that the maximum force required to fit thecap 200 to theopening 406 is 300 N. In other embodiments, the maximum required force may be 200 N. In other embodiments, the maximum required force may be 140 N. In other embodiments, the force required to snap-fit thecap 200 about the curledlip - The manufacture of the
cap 200 may affect the force required to fit thecap 200 to theopening 406. Therefore, the varying radial dimension of the curledlip 408 may be arranged in dependence on the manufacture of thecap 200. -
FIG. 6 shows a plan view of acontainer 600 of a further embodiment in which there are four wings 608 a-608 d and four regions 608 e-608 h between the wings 608 a-608 d. The remaining features of thecontainer 600 are the same as those for the embodiment ofFIG. 4 a and are therefore not repeated here. - When fitting a
cap 200 to the opening 606 of thecontainer 600, thewall 202 of the cap will again be deformed out-of-round. The regions of thelip 208 required to pass over the wings 608 a-608 d deform radially outwardly, and the regions of thelip 208 required to pass over the regions 608 e-608 h between the protrusions 608 a-608 d deform radially inwardly. The circumference of thewall 202 before and after deformation remains substantially the same. As discussed above, in practical embodiments there may be some extension of the circumference of thewall 202. - The invention is not limited to embodiments of the container comprising two or four wings. In other embodiments the curled lip may comprise three, five, six, seven or eight wings.
-
FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the base acap 700 according to an embodiment of the invention. - The
cap 700 is substantially circular and comprises a resilientlydeformable wall 702. Alip 708 extends around the circumference of thewall 702. The resilientlydeformable wall 702 and thelip 708 are configured to snap-fit about and be retained by a curledlip 108 formed around anopening 106 of acontainer 100. Theradial dimension 706 of thelip 708 varies around the circumference of thewall 702. This variation ofradial dimension 706 allows thewall 702 to deform out-of-round during snap-fitting about the curledlip 108. - For clarity, the
cap 700 ofFIG. 7 includes only those features required to describe the operation of the invention. The skilled person will appreciate that other features of such caps known in the art may be added within the scope of the invention. - The
cap 700 further comprises aninner plug 704 that fits within theopening 106 of thecontainer 100. Theinner plug 704 is, in certain embodiments, configured to be a tight fit within theopening 106 and to mate therewith. Anannular cavity 705 is defined between thewall 702 and theinner plug 704 to accommodate the curledlip 108 when thecap 700 is fitted to thecontainer 100. - The
lip 708 comprises twowings regions wings wings cap 700. The radial dimension of thewings regions wings - As explained above in relation to the container, the invention is not limited to embodiments of the cap comprising two wings. In other embodiments the lip may comprise three, four, five, six, seven or eight wings.
- The inner diameter of the
wall 702 is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of defined by the curledlip 108 of thecontainer 100. Aninner diameter 709 of thelip 708 defined by thewings lip 108 of thecontainer 100. Aninner diameter 710 of thelip 708 defined by theregions lip 108 of thecontainer 100. Therefore, when a force is applied to snap-fit thecap 700 to theopening 106 of thecontainer 100, thewall 702 will deform radially outwardly at thewings regions wings cap 700 is configured to deform out-of-round when fitted to acontainer 100. - The skilled person will be able to envisage additional embodiments of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A container comprising:
a body;
a substantially circular opening; and
a radially projecting curled lip extending around the opening for securing a substantially circular cap over the opening by way of a snap-fit,
wherein the radial dimension of the curled lip varies around the opening for allowing regions of a perimeter of a cap to deform radially outward, while other regions of the perimeter of the cap deform radially inwards during snap-fitting.
2. A container according to claim 1 , wherein the curled lip projects radially outward.
3. A container according to claim 1 , wherein the varying radial dimension provides the curled lip with two or more radially projecting wings.
4. A container according to claim 3 , wherein the curled lip comprises four wings around the circumference of the opening.
5. A container according to claim 3 , wherein the radial dimension of the curled lip varies between a minimum dimension in the range 0 mm to 1.5 mm and a maximum dimension in the range 1.6 mm to 2.5 mm.
6. A container according to claim 5 , wherein the radial dimension of the curled lip varies between a minimum dimension in the range 0.5 mm to 1 mm and a maximum dimension in the range 1.8 mm to 2 mm.
7. A container according to claim 3 , wherein the radial dimension of the curled lip varies between a minimum dimension and a maximum dimension, wherein the minimum dimension is in the range from 0% to 75% of maximum dimension.
8. A container according to claim 7 , wherein the minimum dimension is in the range from 20% to 55% of the maximum dimension.
9. A container according to claim 1 , wherein the varying radial dimension of the curled lip is arranged to require a maximum force of 300 N to snap-fit a cap about the curled lip.
10. A container according to claim 9 , wherein the maximum required force is 200 N.
11. A container according to claim 9 , wherein the maximum required force is 140 N.
12. A container according to claim 9 , wherein the force required to snap-fit a cap about the curled lip is in the range from 100 N to 150 N.
13. A container according to claim 1 , wherein the curled lip forms a continuous arc.
14. A container according to claim 13 , wherein a first section of the curled lip extends radially inwardly and a second section of the curled lip extends radially outwardly.
15. A container according to claim 14 , wherein, at the maximum radially projecting wings, the second section of the curled lip continues until the curled lip extends vertically downward.
16. A container according to claim 1 , wherein the curled lip forms a rounded inner edge of the substantially circular opening.
17. A container according to claim 3 , wherein at the radially projecting wings, the curled lip forms a rounded outer edged of the substantially circular opening.
18. A cap for snap-fitting to a substantially circular opening of a container, the cap comprising:
a substantially cylindrical and resiliently deformable wall; and
a radially projecting lip extending around the wall for securing the cap over a curled lip extending around the opening,
wherein the radial dimension of the lip varies around the wall for allowing regions of a wall to deform radially outward, while other regions of the wall deform radially inwards during snap-fitting.
19. A cap according to claim 18 , wherein the varying radial dimension of the lip provides the lip with two or more radially projecting wings.
20. A container and a cap combination comprising:
the container comprising a body, a substantially circular opening, and a radially projecting curled lip extending around the opening,
the cap comprising a resiliently deformable wall and a radially projecting lip extending around the wall, the cap being configured to snap-fit to the substantially circular opening of the container;
wherein a radial dimension of the curled lip varies around the opening for allowing regions of a perimeter of a cap to deform radially outward, while other regions of the perimeter of the cap deform radially inwards during snap-fitting or a radial dimension of the lip varies around the wall for allowing regions of a wall to deform radially outward, while other regions of the wall deform radially inwards during snap-fitting.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP11188301.3 | 2011-11-08 | ||
EP11188301.3A EP2592011A1 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2011-11-08 | Container and cap |
PCT/EP2012/071600 WO2013068292A1 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2012-10-31 | Container and cap |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140374428A1 true US20140374428A1 (en) | 2014-12-25 |
Family
ID=47143090
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/356,508 Abandoned US20140374428A1 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2012-10-31 | Container and cap |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140374428A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2592011A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2015501762A (en) |
CN (1) | CN103987628B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012334251A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2865172A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2014005585A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2623925C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013068292A1 (en) |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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USD767387S1 (en) * | 2015-02-12 | 2016-09-27 | Aubrey Bailey Morgan Wyatt | Lid for container |
USD784130S1 (en) * | 2014-12-29 | 2017-04-18 | Barbara B. Andersen | Drinking container cover |
USD811811S1 (en) * | 2016-03-03 | 2018-03-06 | Pinnacle Peak Solutions, LLC | Cover for drinking container |
USD831415S1 (en) * | 2017-07-28 | 2018-10-23 | Susan M Hansen | Cover for glassware |
USD890607S1 (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2020-07-21 | Black Bear Asset Management Pty Ltd | Candle jar lid |
USD903424S1 (en) | 2017-02-07 | 2020-12-01 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD906056S1 (en) | 2018-12-05 | 2020-12-29 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD908002S1 (en) | 2019-09-27 | 2021-01-19 | Zume, Inc. | Lid for a food container |
USD937634S1 (en) | 2019-12-20 | 2021-12-07 | Zume, Inc. | Food container |
USD939348S1 (en) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-12-28 | The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. | Candle tumbler lid |
USD944484S1 (en) * | 2020-04-27 | 2022-02-22 | Behrens Manufacturing, LLC | Can cover |
USD950318S1 (en) | 2018-05-24 | 2022-05-03 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD951091S1 (en) | 2019-12-20 | 2022-05-10 | Zume, Inc. | Lid for a food container |
USD953811S1 (en) | 2020-02-14 | 2022-06-07 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
US11370579B2 (en) | 2017-02-07 | 2022-06-28 | Ball Corporation | Tapered metal cup and method of forming the same |
USD959982S1 (en) * | 2021-01-20 | 2022-08-09 | Shenzhen Baozhixia Technology Co., Ltd. | Cup lid |
USD968893S1 (en) | 2019-06-24 | 2022-11-08 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD974845S1 (en) | 2020-07-15 | 2023-01-10 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD998928S1 (en) * | 2020-09-11 | 2023-09-12 | Suncast Technologies, Llc | Trash can lid |
USD1012617S1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2024-01-30 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD1015059S1 (en) * | 2019-08-09 | 2024-02-20 | Boston Foundry, Inc. | Universal lid for pots and pans |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2747630C1 (en) * | 2020-06-11 | 2021-05-11 | Геннадий Борисович Балашов | Display stand panel |
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-
2011
- 2011-11-08 EP EP11188301.3A patent/EP2592011A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2012
- 2012-10-31 JP JP2014540399A patent/JP2015501762A/en active Pending
- 2012-10-31 RU RU2014121072A patent/RU2623925C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2012-10-31 CN CN201280060833.6A patent/CN103987628B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-10-31 MX MX2014005585A patent/MX2014005585A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2012-10-31 WO PCT/EP2012/071600 patent/WO2013068292A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-10-31 EP EP12781307.9A patent/EP2776329A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-10-31 AU AU2012334251A patent/AU2012334251A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-10-31 CA CA2865172A patent/CA2865172A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-10-31 US US14/356,508 patent/US20140374428A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US4375862A (en) * | 1981-12-14 | 1983-03-08 | Ekco Products, Inc. | Container with dome cover |
US5836468A (en) * | 1994-11-02 | 1998-11-17 | Crown Cork Ag | Plastic snap closure with anti-tamper strip and method of its manufacture |
Cited By (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD784130S1 (en) * | 2014-12-29 | 2017-04-18 | Barbara B. Andersen | Drinking container cover |
USD767387S1 (en) * | 2015-02-12 | 2016-09-27 | Aubrey Bailey Morgan Wyatt | Lid for container |
USD811811S1 (en) * | 2016-03-03 | 2018-03-06 | Pinnacle Peak Solutions, LLC | Cover for drinking container |
USD850848S1 (en) * | 2016-03-03 | 2019-06-11 | Pinnacle Peak Solutions, LLC | Cover for drinking container |
USD903424S1 (en) | 2017-02-07 | 2020-12-01 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
US10875076B2 (en) | 2017-02-07 | 2020-12-29 | Ball Corporation | Tapered metal cup and method of forming the same |
US11370579B2 (en) | 2017-02-07 | 2022-06-28 | Ball Corporation | Tapered metal cup and method of forming the same |
USD831415S1 (en) * | 2017-07-28 | 2018-10-23 | Susan M Hansen | Cover for glassware |
USD950318S1 (en) | 2018-05-24 | 2022-05-03 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD890607S1 (en) * | 2018-06-20 | 2020-07-21 | Black Bear Asset Management Pty Ltd | Candle jar lid |
USD962710S1 (en) | 2018-12-05 | 2022-09-06 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD906056S1 (en) | 2018-12-05 | 2020-12-29 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD968893S1 (en) | 2019-06-24 | 2022-11-08 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD1015059S1 (en) * | 2019-08-09 | 2024-02-20 | Boston Foundry, Inc. | Universal lid for pots and pans |
USD908002S1 (en) | 2019-09-27 | 2021-01-19 | Zume, Inc. | Lid for a food container |
USD939348S1 (en) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-12-28 | The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. | Candle tumbler lid |
USD937634S1 (en) | 2019-12-20 | 2021-12-07 | Zume, Inc. | Food container |
USD951091S1 (en) | 2019-12-20 | 2022-05-10 | Zume, Inc. | Lid for a food container |
USD953811S1 (en) | 2020-02-14 | 2022-06-07 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD944484S1 (en) * | 2020-04-27 | 2022-02-22 | Behrens Manufacturing, LLC | Can cover |
USD974845S1 (en) | 2020-07-15 | 2023-01-10 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD978618S1 (en) | 2020-07-15 | 2023-02-21 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
USD998928S1 (en) * | 2020-09-11 | 2023-09-12 | Suncast Technologies, Llc | Trash can lid |
USD959982S1 (en) * | 2021-01-20 | 2022-08-09 | Shenzhen Baozhixia Technology Co., Ltd. | Cup lid |
USD1012617S1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2024-01-30 | Ball Corporation | Tapered cup |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN103987628A (en) | 2014-08-13 |
CN103987628B (en) | 2016-05-04 |
RU2623925C2 (en) | 2017-06-29 |
EP2592011A1 (en) | 2013-05-15 |
EP2776329A1 (en) | 2014-09-17 |
MX2014005585A (en) | 2014-09-25 |
RU2014121072A (en) | 2015-12-20 |
CA2865172A1 (en) | 2013-05-16 |
AU2012334251A1 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
WO2013068292A1 (en) | 2013-05-16 |
JP2015501762A (en) | 2015-01-19 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WATSON, MARTIN JOHN;SOLANA, ALEJANDRO GRANER;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140612 TO 20140613;REEL/FRAME:033486/0691 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |