US20180186521A1

US20180186521A1 - Container

Info

Publication number: US20180186521A1
Application number: US15/740,404
Authority: US
Inventors: John Hein; David Williams
Original assignee: Dubois Ltd
Current assignee: Dubois Ltd
Priority date: 2015-06-30
Filing date: 2016-06-30
Publication date: 2018-07-05
Also published as: GB2540050B; GB201611394D0; GB201611396D0; GB2540050A; US20180312308A1; GB201511426D0; GB2540051A; WO2017001854A1; WO2017001855A1; EP3317202A1; GB2540051B; EP3317203A1

Abstract

A container includes a body and a lid of plastics construction. The body defines a chamber having an open mouth with a central axis, and the lid is intended to cover the open mouth. The body and lid are configured to cooperate with one another to provide snap-fitting engagement therebetween, in order to releasably attach the lid to the body. The body has an external face, and the lid includes an internal face intended to overlap at least a portion of the external face of the body when the lid is releasably attached thereto and the lid is configured for sealing engagement with the body.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to containers, more particularly, but not exclusively, to ‘squeeze-open’ containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A known squeeze-open container is described in WO95/23743. The container is disc-shaped and takes the form of a base, which defines a chamber for product, and a lid intended to be releasably attached to the base, in order to define a closure for the chamber. Releasable attachment is achieved via a snap-fit engagement between the lid and the base, which also serves to enable easy detachment of the lid from the base, upon squeezing of the lid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present disclosure is to provide improvements or alternatives to the containers described and illustrated in WO95/23743.
Aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying independent claims. Optional features of embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a container is provided comprising a body and a lid. The body defines a chamber having an open mouth with a central axis and the lid is intended to cover said open mouth. The body and lid are configured to cooperate with one another to provide snap-fitting engagement therebetween, in order to releasably attach the lid to the body. The body has an external face, and the lid includes an internal face intended to overlap at least a portion of said external face of the body when the lid is releasably attached thereto.
In some embodiments, the body and lid are of plastics construction.
Optionally the lid is configured for sealing engagement with the body.
In some embodiments, the open mouth of the chamber has an upper lip. The lid may include an annular and resilient tongue, which defines a cantilever. The tongue may be configured so that an underside of said cantilever is in biased sealing contact with said lip when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
In some embodiments, the tongue extends from an internal surface of the lid. In some embodiments, the tongue is configured for continuous sealing contact with the lid.
Optionally, the tongue extends in a direction orthogonal to the central axis.
The lid may comprise a cover wherein the cover extends across the mouth of the body, when the lid is releasably attached to the body. The lid may comprise a circumferential side wall, the internal face forming part of the side wall, such that the side wall overlaps at least a portion of the external face of the body when the lid is attached to the body.
In some embodiments, the tongue extends radially inwardly from the side wall of the lid.
In some embodiments, the tongue extends in a direction away from the cover of the lid, for example, at an acute angle to the cover of the lid. An acute angle may also or alternatively be formed between the side wall of the lid and the tongue.
In some embodiments, the tongue is configured to extend in a direction away from the cover of the lid such that an angle of between 20 and 70° is formed between the tongue and the cover of the lid, for example, between, 30 and 60°, for example, between 40 and 50° from the cover. In some embodiments, the tongue extends from the lid at an angle of 40° to the cover of the lid. In some embodiments this the tongue may extend at an angle of 50° to the cover of the lid.
In some embodiments, the tongue extends from the lid at an angle of between 40 and 50° to the side wall of the lid e.g. 40° or 50° to the side wall of the lid.
In some embodiments, the tongue is provided with a first surface facing an internal surface of the cover, and a second surface facing an internal face of the side wall of the lid. In some embodiments, the first and second surfaces are substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the second surface is arranged such that it is in biased sealing contact with the upper surface of the rim, when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
In some embodiments, the cover and side wall of the lid are coupled together by a transition portion. The tongue may extend from the transition portion of the lid between the cover and the lid side wall.
In some embodiments, the lid has an internal cover surface which extends across the mouth of the body, the internal cover surface forming part of the cover. In some embodiments, the tongue extends from the internal cover surface.
In some embodiments, the annular and resilient tongue may be proximal but spaced from the internal cover surface. The annular and resilient tongue may have a thickness at its root. In some embodiments, the spacing between the annular and resilient tongue and the internal cover surface is no greater than three times the thickness of the root. In some embodiments, the spacing between the annular and resilient tongue and the internal cover surface is no greater than the length of the tongue.
In some embodiments, the open mouth of the chamber comprises a rim. The tongue may be configured to terminate at an upper surface of said rim, when the lid is releasably attached to the body, to provide sealing engagement between the lid and the body. Optionally, the free end of the tongue comprises a flat portion configured for abutment with the upper surface of the rim.
In some embodiments, the tongue has an internal diameter configured to be arranged flush with an internal wall of the open mouth when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
In some embodiments, a sacrificial bead is provided on the upper surface of the rim of the chamber, the sacrificial bead being configured for sealing a foil or film to the rim of the open mouth e.g. by induction or conduction welding. The sacrificial bead may be positioned at a location on the upper surface of the rim separate from the point of contact between the tongue and the upper surface of the rim.
In some embodiments, the rim of the open mouth defines an internal diameter for the open mouth of the chamber. The tongue may terminate at a radial distance beyond the internal diameter of the open mouth.
In some embodiments, the body has a central axis. In some embodiments, the external face of the body of the container defines a first formation extending in a direction radially away from the central axis of the body. In some embodiments, the internal face of the lid defines a second formation extending radially in the direction of the central axis of the body. The second formation may be configured for snap-fitting engagement over said first formation when the lid is applied to the body, in order to releasably attach the lid to the body.
In some embodiments, the first formation defines a ridge, for example, between first and second ramp surfaces on the body.
The first ramp surface of the first formation may terminate distal the ridge, at the open mouth of the chamber. In some embodiments, the diameter at the mouth of the chamber is greater than the diameter of the body at the termination of the second ramp surface distal the ridge of the first formation. In some embodiments, the diameter at the mouth of the chamber is less than the diameter of the body at the crest of the ridge of the first formation.
In some embodiments, the first ramp surface of the first formation is provided such that the rim of the open mouth of the chamber is in radial alignment with a free end of the resilient tongue provided on the lid, when the lid is releasably attached to the body, to provide sealing engagement between the lid and the body.
In some embodiments, the second formation defines a ridge between first and second ramp surfaces on the lid.
In some embodiments, the side wall is coupled to the cover and the side wall extends to an edge distal the cover. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the side wall of the lid overlaps the external face of the body by a distance of between 5-20 mm below a point of snap-fit engagement between the lid and the body e.g. from the crest of the ridge defined by the second formation on the lid to a lower edge of the side wall. In some embodiments the side wall extends at least 5 mm from a point of snap-fit engagement, for example at least 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 mm. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the side wall of the lid overlaps the external face of the body by a distance of between 8 and 16 mm from a point of snap fit engagement to a lower edge of the side wall.
The first ramp surface of the lid may be sealingly engaged with the second ramp surface of the body, when the lid is releasably attached to the body. In some embodiments, the second ramp surface of the body includes a circumferential groove, recess or other depression, and the ridge of the lid is configured to lock into said groove, recess or other depression, when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
In some embodiments, the lid includes a resilient ring projecting from an internal surface thereof. The ring may be configured to be arranged in continuous sealing contact with the rim of the open mouth on the body, when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
In some embodiments, the resilient ring projects from the internal cover surface of the lid. In an alternative, the resilient ring may project from the transition portion of the lid between the cover and the lid side wall.
The resilient ring may have an internal diameter configured to be arranged flush with the internal wall of the open mouth, when the lid is releasably attached to the body e.g. the resilient ring may be in radial alignment with the rim of the open mouth of the body.
In some embodiments, the lid includes a resilient ring arranged to project from an internal surface of the lid such that it is configured to sealingly engage an internal surface of the open mouth of the body, when the lid is releasably attached to the body. For example, the ring may project from the internal cover surface. Alternatively, the ring may project from the transition portion. In some embodiments, the ring projects from the lid in a direction parallel with the central axis of the mouth, when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
In some embodiments, the lid includes an abutment surface extending orthogonal to the central axis of the mouth or body e.g. orthogonal to the or a ring extending parallel to the central axis. The abutment surface may be configured to seal against the upper edge of the rim at the open mouth on the body, when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
In some embodiments, the internal profile of the lid defines a step between the circumferential side wall and the internal cover surface of the lid. Said step may include a shoulder configured to seat in sealing engagement with an upper surface of the rim at the open mouth of the body, when the lid is releasably attached to the body. In some embodiments, the shoulder is configured to extend from the side wall of the lid no further than the internal diameter of the rim of the open mouth.
Optionally, a wadding material is carried on an underside of the lid e.g. by the internal cover surface. The wadding material may extend across the open mouth of the chamber, when the lid is releasably attached to the body. The wadding material may be configured to be compressed by the rim of the open mouth in order to create a seal for the chamber.
In some embodiments, the lid includes an internal groove configured to receive the ridge on the body. The upper surface of said groove may be arranged in sealing contact with a portion of the first ramp surface on the body, when the lid is releasably attached to the body. In some embodiments, the lid additionally comprises a resilient ring or annular resilient tongue as previously described.
In some embodiments, the body includes an annular and resilient tongue configured for sealing engagement with an internal side wall of the lid, when the lid is releasably attached to the body. In some embodiments, the annular and resilient tongue is arranged between the first formation and the rim at the open mouth of the chamber. In some embodiments, the lid additionally comprises a resilient ring or annular resilient tongue as previously described.
In some embodiments, a circumferential point seal is provided between the ridge on the body and a portion of lid side wall above the second projection, when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
In some embodiments, the second formation defines a continuous ring projecting from the sidewall of the lid.
In some embodiments, an O-ring is carried on an underside of the lid, for creating a seal against an upper surface of the rim on the body. The O-ring may be arranged and configured to deform and create a seal as the lid is snap-fittingly engaged on the body.
In some embodiments, the O-ring is located in a groove formed in the lid. The groove may have an open end exposed in an axial direction of the container. In some embodiments, the O-ring does not project beyond the mouth of the groove.
In some embodiments, a plurality of concentric rings are formed on the or a shoulder which depends downwards from the lid, concentric with a central axis of the lid (i.e. the central axis of the body when the lid is attached to the body). The concentric rings may be configured to sealingly engage against the upper surface of the rim, e.g. a ring on the upper surface of the rim may be intended to engage a surface of the shoulder located between two rings on the rim.
In some embodiments, a plurality of concentric rings are formed on the upper surface of the rim. The concentric rings may be configured to form a seal on the or a shoulder of the lid, e.g. a ring on the shoulder may be intended to engage a surface of the rim located between two rings on the rim.
In some embodiments, the chamber has a circular mouth and a circumferential side wall extending from said mouth. The upper edge of the circumferential side wall may define the rim of the mouth. An external face of the circumferential side wall of the body may define the external face of the body across a portion of which the lid extends when the lid is releasably attached on the body.
The body may have a neck, wherein said external face is a part of the neck, and wherein the lid is configured to overlay a portion of the neck, when the lid is releasably attached on the body. In some embodiments, the body has an external profile defining a neck and a shoulder formed below the neck. In some embodiments, the lower end of the lid is spaced from the shoulder on the body, once the lid has been releasably attached to the body.
The chamber may have a volume significantly greater than the volume of the lid.
In some embodiments, the body has a base and a groove in said external face. The groove may be arranged such that the lid is pressable into the groove on the body in order to cause the lid to separate from the body with a sliding action.
The groove may have a pair of sides in which the side of the groove nearest the base comprises a concave surface which engages the side wall of the lid and forces the lid away from the body as the side wall of the lid is pressed into the groove. The body may have a formation which leads into the concave side of the groove and which acts to facilitate an initial separating movement of the lid from the body, for example, the formation may be a convex formation.
In some embodiments, the lid defines a skirt which overlaps a portion of said external face of the body when the lid has been releasably attached to the body. In some embodiments the skirt has a lower edge wherein the lower edge of the skirt of the lid is spaced radially away from the external face of the body when the lid is releasably attached on the body.
In some embodiments, the extent to which the internal face of the lid overlaps the external face of the body varies around the lid. Variation of the extent to which the lid overlaps the body may provide a first overlapping region and a second overlapping region, wherein the first overlapping region overlaps the external face of the body to a greater extent than the second overlapping region.
The first overlapping region may be configured to define a tab. In some embodiments, a void is defined by the side wall of the lid e.g. by the difference in the extent to which the side wall of the second overlapping region and the tab overlap the body. A void may be provided adjacent the second overlapping region.
The lid may comprise a pair of tabs and/or voids. More than two tabs and/or voids may be used. For example, 3, 4 or 5 tabs and/or voids may be used. Alternatively, a single tab and/or void can be used. As will be understood, the number of voids may equal the number of tabs.
In some embodiments, the tabs and/or voids are provided diametrically opposite each other. Any symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement of tabs and/or voids may be used.
In some embodiments, the or each tab is pressable towards the side wall of the body in order to flex the side wall of the lid and thereby disengage the snap-fitting engagement between the lid and the body.
In some embodiments, the or each tab overlaps the side wall of the body by a distance of between 5-20 mm from a point of snap-fit engagement between the lid and the body to the edge distal the cover e.g. from the crest of the ridge defined by the second formation on the lid to a lower edge of the lid side wall. In some embodiments the tab extends at least 5 mm from a point of snap-fit engagement, for example at least 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 mm. For example, the tab of the lid may extend between 8 mm and 16 mm from a point of snap fit engagement to an edge of the lid distal the cover.
In some embodiments, the second overlapping region (or regions) overlaps the side wall of the body by less than 10 mm from a point of snap-fit engagement between the lid and the body to the edge of the lid distal of the cover e.g. from the crest of the ridge defined by the second formation of the lid to an edge of the side wall of the lid distal the cover. For example, the second overlapping region (or regions) may overlap the side wall of the body for example by between 4 and 8 mm from a point of snap-fit engagement between the lid and the body to the edge of the lid distal of the cover.
In some embodiments, the external face of the body defines a profile complementary to at least a portion of the profile defined by the side wall of the lid. The external face of the body may define one or more recesses configured to receive the or each tab defined by the lid, when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
In some embodiments, the external face of the body defines one or more projection, the or each projection configured to occupy at least a portion of the or each void defined by the lid, when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
In some embodiments, the body comprises a neck coupled to the rest of the body by a shoulder, wherein the position of the shoulder defines the complementary profile of the side wall.
Containers described herein may comprise a tamper evident component. For example, the tamper evident component may be coupled to the body and/or the lid when the lid is attached to the container. In some embodiments, the tamper evident component comprises a strip or band configured such that, when attached to the container, it is coupled to the body and/or the lid.
In some embodiments, the tamper evident component is configured to occupy a void defined by the lid of the container.
In some embodiments, the lid is coupled to the body via a hinge element. For example, the side wall may define a single or pair of tabs and the hinge element may be provided equidistant from the or each tab. In some embodiments, the side wall defines a pair of depressions provided equidistant from the hinge element, e.g. the depressions indicating an optimal region for the side wall to be pressed towards the body to facilitate release of the lid from the body.
It will be appreciated that containers in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise any combination of the features described above. All possible combinations contemplated are not recited explicitly here for the sake of brevity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, advantages or features of the invention will be apparent from the appended claims and the following description of exemplary embodiments, made by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 26 and 27 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 30 and 31 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 34 and 35 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 38 and 39 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 42 and 43 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 41;

FIG. 44 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 46 and 47 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 45;

FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a thirteenth eleventh embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 50 and 51 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 49;

FIG. 52 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 54 and 55 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 53;

FIG. 56 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 54;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 58 and 59 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 57;

FIG. 60 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 58;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the body of the container of FIG. 57;

FIGS. 62 and 63 are schematic cross-sectional views of the body of FIG. 61;

FIG. 64 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 62;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the body of the container of FIG. 57 comprising a covering;

FIGS. 66 and 67 are schematic cross-sectional views of the body of FIG. 65;

FIG. 68 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 66;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 57 wherein the body of the container comprises a covering;

FIGS. 70 and 71 are schematic cross-sectional views of the body of FIG. 69;

FIG. 72 is an enlarged view of the encircled area in FIG. 70;

FIGS. 73 and 74 are perspective views of a sixteenth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the container of FIGS. 73 and 74 in which the lid has been removed from the body;

FIGS. 76 and 77 are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of FIGS. 73 and 74;

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a seventeenth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 79 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the container of FIG. 78;

FIGS. 80 to 82 are perspective views of the container of FIG. 78;

FIGS. 83 to 85 are perspective views of an eighteenth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 86 and 87 are cross-sectional views of the upper portion of the container of FIGS. 83 to 85;

FIGS. 88 to 91 are perspective views of a nineteenth embodiment of a container in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 92 and 93 are cross-sectional views of the upper portion of the container of FIGS. 88 to 91.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 4, a container is indicated generally at 10. The container takes the form of a body 12 having a lid 14. The body 12 defines a chamber having an open mouth with a central axis. The lid 14 is intended to act as a cover for the open mouth. As will be described in more detail below, the lid is a push-fit on the body 12. Moreover, the body 12 and lid 14 are configured to cooperate with one another, to provide snap-fitting engagement therebetween, in order to releasably attach the lid 14 to the body 12.
As can be seen, the container 10 is disc-shaped, and so corresponds generally to the containers shown in WO95/23743. Accordingly, the container 10 may be configured to be held in a user's hand.
As can be seen clearly in FIG. 2, the body 12 has an external face 18, and the lid 14 includes an internal face 20 intended to overlap at least a portion of said external face 18 of the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached thereto.
Cooperation between the lid 14 and the body 12 serves as a closure mechanism for the container 10. More particularly, the external face 18 of the body 12 defines a first formation 22 extending in a direction radially away from the central axis, whereas the internal face 20 of the lid 14 defines a second formation 24 extending radially in the direction of the central axis. Conveniently, the lid is configured so that the second formation 24 will snap-fittingly engage over said first formation 22, in order to releasably attach the lid 14 to the body 12.
In the illustrated embodiment, the second formation 24 extends from a side wall 14 a of the lid 14; the internal face 20 is part of the side wall 14 a of the lid 14. The arrangement is such that the side wall can be pressed in the direction of the central axis of the body 12, in order to flex the side wall 14 a and thereby disengage the second formation 24 from snap-fitting engagement with the first formation 22. As such, it may be desirable for the side wall 14 a of the lid 14 to be of less rigid construction than the portions of the body 12 that it is intended to cooperate with for snap-fitting engagement.
In exemplary embodiments, the lid 14 is configured for a one-handed ‘squeeze-open’ operation, to release the lid 14 from the body 12. In the illustrated embodiments, the lid 14 is circular and configured to adopt an elliptical configuration when squeezed (e.g. at two diametrically opposed points on the lid 14), in order to release the lid 14 from the body 12. In particular, the lid 14 is configured to flex and allow the second formation 24 to ride over the first formation 22, in order for the lid 14 to become detached from the body 12.
It will be appreciated that the containers described in WO95/23743 (the content of which is incorporated herein by reference) have a lid which releases in a similar manner.
It should be noted that containers of the kind illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 56 have a lid 14 which defines a skirt having a lower edge 26. The lower edge 26 of the lid 14 is spaced from the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached on the body 12. Moreover, the lower edge 26 is spaced radially away from the external face 18 of the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached on the body 12. This arrangement has been found to be particularly secure, not least since it avoids problems associated with tolerance or imperfections that might exist between the lower end of the lid and the external face of the body. The lid 14 of the containers of the kind shown herein can be configured for sealing cooperation with the body 12. Accordingly, the lid 14 can be used to seal the chamber 16, once the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. This may be particularly advantageous where the body 12 is used to store bulk product, such that the lid needs to be removed and replaced several times. This may also be advantageous where product to be stored in the container 10 may be susceptible to leakage, in the absence of a seal, for example.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the open mouth of the chamber 16 has rim 28. The lid 14 includes an annular and resilient tongue 30, which defines a cantilever. The tongue 30 is configured so that an underside of the cantilever is in biased sealing contact with the upper surface of the rim 28, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. In exemplary embodiments, the tongue 30 has a normal state when the lid 14 is not engaged on the body, and an active state when the lid is releasably attached on the body 12. In the normal state, the tongue 30 extends naturally (e.g. in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of lid 14), but is upwardly deflected by the rim 28, in the active state. This provides biased sealing engagement between the tongue 30 and the rim 28, in use.
In the specific embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the tongue 30 extends radially inwardly from the side wall of the lid 14.
The lid 14 further defines an internal cover surface 32, which extends across the mouth of the body 12 when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. In exemplary embodiments, the tongue 30 is proximal but spaced from the internal cover surface 32 (e.g. as can be seen most clearly in FIG. 3). The tongue 30 has a thickness at its root, and the spacing between the tongue 30 and the internal cover surface 32 is no greater than three times said root thickness. Alternatively or additionally, the spacing between the tongue 30 and the internal cover surface 32 is no greater than the length of the tongue 30.
In exemplary embodiments, an internal surface of the rim 28 defines an internal diameter for the open mouth. In exemplary embodiments, the tongue 30 terminates at a radial distance beyond the internal diameter of the open mouth (e.g. as can be seen clearly in FIG. 3).
Advantageously, the tongue 30 provides a flexible top seal for the chamber 16, and is ideally suited to accommodate tolerances associated with the final location of the lid 14 relative to the body 12, when the lid 14 and body 12 are in snap-fitting engagement with one another.
Containers 10 of the kind shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 are substantially the same as container 10 of the kind shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. However, in the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 8, the lid 14 includes a ring 34 (e.g. of resilient construction) depending down from an internal surface 36 thereof (e.g. the internal cover surface 32 of the lid 14, or a point at the transition between the internal cover surface 32 and the lid side wall). The ring 34 is configured to be arranged in sealing contact with an upper surface of the rim 28 of the open mouth on the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. The ring 34 is continuous, and so a continuous top seal is provided on the rim 28 of the open mouth. The ring 34 may be provided in the form of a deformable and resilient nipple, thereby allowing take up of tolerances associated with the closure mechanism of the container 10. Similar to the preceding embodiment, the nipple will have a normal state when the lid 14 is not engaged on the body 12, and an active state when the lid 14 is releasably attached on the body 12. In the normal state, the nipple hangs freely, but is upwardly deflected by the rim 28, in the active state. This provides biassed sealing engagement between the nipple and the rim 28, in use. The nipple may be over-moulded in TPE material or the like, to allow for additional flex.
As can be seen in FIG. 6, the ring 34 defines an internal diameter configured to be arranged substantially flush with the internal wall 38 of the open mouth, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12.
In exemplary embodiments of containers of the kind shown herein, the first formation 22 of the closure mechanism between the lid 14 and the body 12 defines a ridge 40 between first and second ramp surfaces 42, 44 on the body. The first ramp surface 42 terminates distal the ridge 40, at the open mouth of the chamber 16. Moreover, the second formation 24 defines a ridge 46 between first and second ramp surfaces 48, 50 on the lid 14. In exemplary embodiments, the second ramp surface 50 of the lid 14 is intended to be driven over the first ramp surface 42 of the body 12, when the lid 14 is being applied to the body 12. The lid 14 is of plastics construction, such that movement of the ridge 46 on the lid 14 over the ridge 40 on the body 12 brings about the snap-fitting engagement between the lid 14 and the body 12. Such an arrangement has been found to be particularly effective in providing a releasable connection between the lid 14 and the body 12 that is ideally suited for one-handed ‘squeeze and release’ operations.
In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 14 a of the lid 14 is arranged to extend from a cover 14 b of the lid 14 such that it overlaps at least a portion of a side wall 12 a of the body when the lid is releasably attached to the body; the external face 18 of the body is part of the side wall 12 a of the body. The side wall 14 a of the lid 14 overlaps the side wall 12 a of the body 12 by a predetermined length such that there is sufficient overlap for the side wall 14 a of the lid to be pressed in the direction of the central axis of the body 12 in order to disengage the lid from the body.
The side wall 14 a of the lid 14 may extend at least 5 mm from the crest of the ridge 46 of the second formation 24 to an edge of the lid 14 distal the cover 14 b, e.g. the lower edge 26 of the side wall 14 a. In some embodiments the side wall extends at least 8 mm from the ridge 46, for example at least 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 mm from the ridge. For example, the side wall 14 a of the lid 14 may extend between 8mm and 16 mm from the ridge 46 to an edge of the lid 14 distal the cover 14 b.
In exemplary embodiments, such as those illustrated herein, the first formation 22 is continuous, e.g. circumferential relative to the mouth of the body 12. The second formation 24 may also be continuous. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the second formation is made up of discrete projections, spaced radially from one another, about the inner circumference of the lid side wall. For example, there may be 2 or more projections (preferably 8 or 12, or more).
In those embodiments where both the first and second formations 22, 24 are continuous (e.g. proscribing a circle), the closure mechanism may be configured such that the first ramp surface 48 of the lid is sealingly engaged with the second ramp surface 44 of the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12, e.g. as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 12, an alternative top seal is provided. The rim 28 defines a point, for providing a point contact seal against a radially extending abutment surface 36 formed on the underside of the lid (e.g. at the transition between the side wall and internal cover surface 32 of the lid 14).
Put another way, the lid 14 for the container 10 of FIGS. 9 to 12 has an internal profile which defines a step between the side wall and internal cover surface 32, the step including a shoulder configured to seat in sealing engagement with an upper surface of the rim 28 of the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. In exemplary embodiments, the shoulder is configured to extend from the side wall of the lid no further than the internal diameter of the rim of the open mouth (i.e. the shoulder does not extend across or into the open mouth).
FIGS. 13 to 16 show a container similar to the preceding embodiments, but wherein the second ramp surface 44 of the body 12 includes a circumferential groove, recess or other depression 52. The ridge 46 of the lid 14 is configured to lock into said groove, recess or other depression 52, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. In exemplary embodiments, the closure mechanism is configured to create a circumferential point seal between the ridge 46 and the groove, recess or other depression 52 on the body 12.
The embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 16 is also shown incorporating a deformable ring 34 at the transition between the side wall and internal cover surface 32 of the lid 14, arranged to provide a seal on the top of the rim 28 of the open mouth.
FIGS. 17 to 20 show another embodiment similar to FIGS. 1 to 16, wherein a ring 54 projects from an internal surface thereof (e.g. the internal cover surface 32) and is configured to sealingly engage against an internal surface 38 of the open mouth, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. Accordingly, the ring 54 has an outer surface 56 which extends in a direction substantially parallel with the central axis of the mouth, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. Advantageously, this arrangement creates a bore seal between the mouth and the lid 14. To be specific, the ring 54 has an outer surface 56 arranged to create a bore seal against the internal surface 38 of the open mouth.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 17 to 20, the lid 14 is also configured to create an additional seal on the top of the rim 28, by having a radial surface 36, extending between the side wall of the lid 14 and the external surface of the projecting ring 54, intended to abut against the upper surface of the rim 28 when the lid 14 is releasably attached on the body 12. Advantageously, the surface 36 serves to create a second seal point between the lid and the body.
The embodiment of FIGS. 21 to 24 is similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 20, but has a thin layer of wadding material 58 carried on an underside of the lid 14, wherein the wadding material extends across the open mouth of the chamber 16, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. The wadding material 58 is arranged to be compressed by the rim 28 of the open mouth, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12, in order to create a seal for the chamber 16. The wadding material 58 may serve as a carrier for a metallic foil (not shown) material, or other material, to be sealingly coupled with the rim 28 of the open mouth, e.g. by induction or conduction welding.
The wadding material 58 may be adhered to the lid (e.g. to the internal cover surface 32). Additionally or alternatively, the lid 14 may define a channel 60 intended to grip a periphery of the wadding 58, to hold it in place. As can be seen clearly in FIG. 23, the channel 60 is outboard of the rim 28 of the open mouth, when the lid 14 is releasably attached on the body 12.
The embodiment of FIGS. 25 to 28 is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 16, but in this embodiment, the lid 14 includes an internal circumferential groove 62 configured to receive the ridge 40 on the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. More particularly, the closure mechanism is configured to bring about sealing engagement between an upper surface 64 of said groove and a portion of the first ramp surface 42 on the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12.
Again, this embodiment is shown in combination with a resilient ring 34 projecting from an internal surface of the lid 14 (e.g. the internal cover surface 32), and which is configured to be arranged in continuous sealing contact with an upper surface of the rim 28 of the open mouth on the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. The ring 34 has an internal diameter configured to be arranged flush with the internal wall 38 of the open mouth, when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
Turning now to FIGS. 29 to 32, there is shown an embodiment similar to FIGS. 1 to 28, in which the body 12 includes an annular and resilient tongue 66 configured for sealing engagement with an internal side wall of the lid 14, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. The tongue is arranged between the first formation 22 and the rim 28 at the open mouth of the chamber 16.
Again, this embodiment is shown in combination with a resilient ring 34 projecting from an internal surface of the lid (e.g. the internal cover surface 32), and which is configured to be arranged in continuous sealing contact with an upper surface of the rim 28 of the open mouth on the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. The ring 34 has an internal diameter configured to be arranged flush with the internal wall of the open mouth, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12.
The container 10 of the kind shown in FIGS. 33 to 36 is similar to containers of the kind shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, but wherein the container 10 is configured so that a circumferential point seal is provided by interference between the ridge 40 on the body 12 and a portion of lid sidewall above the second projection 24, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12 (e.g. the seal is brought about as the lid 14 snaps onto the body 12). In embodiments of this kind, the second formation 24 defines a continuous ring projecting from the sidewall of the lid 14.
Again, this embodiment is shown in combination with a resilient ring 34 projecting from an internal surface of the lid (e.g. the internal cover surface 32), and which is configured to be arranged in continuous sealing contact with an upper surface of the rim 28 of the open mouth on the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. The ring 34 has an internal diameter configured to be arranged flush with the internal wall of the open mouth, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12.
Containers of the kind shown in FIGS. 37 to 48 are similar to FIGS. 1 to 36, but employ an O-ring 68 carried on an underside of the lid 14 (e.g. in or at a transition between the internal cover surface 32 and the side wall of the lid 14), in order to create a seal against an upper surface of the rim 28 on the body 12. In FIGS. 37 to 40, the O-ring 68 is of rectangular cross-section. In FIGS. 41 to 44, the O-ring 68 is of circular cross-section. In FIGS. 45 to 48, the O-ring 68 is of square cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes are envisaged.
The O-ring 68 may be of any suitable material to deform and create a seal, as the lid 14 is snap-fittingly engaged on the body 12, e.g. an elastomeric, rubber or foam material.
In the illustrated embodiments, the O-ring 68 is located in a groove formed in the lid 14. The groove has an open end exposed in an axial direction of the container 10. The O-ring 68 does not protrude beyond the open end of the groove.
FIGS. 49 to 56 show further variants, similar to containers of the kind shown in FIGS. 9 to 13. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 52, the embodiment of FIGS. 49 to 52 includes a plurality of concentric rings 70 formed on the shoulder 36. These rings depend downwards from the lid 14, concentric with the central axis of the lid/mouth, and are configured to sealingly engage against the upper surface of the rim 28, when the lid 14 is releasably attached on the body 12. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 56, the embodiment of FIGS. 53 to 56 includes a plurality of concentric rings 70, 72 formed on the shoulder and on the upper surface of the rim, respectively and configured to form a seal on the shoulder and on the upper surface of the rim, respectively, wherein rings on the shoulder are intended to engage a surface of the rim located between two rings on the rim, and vice versa.
For each of the embodiments in FIGS. 49 to 56, the size and quantity of the rings can be variable, dependent upon the size of the land on the rim.
FIGS. 57 to 60 and 69 to 72 show another embodiment of the container wherein the lid 14 includes an annular and resilient tongue 74, which defines a cantilever depending from an internal surface 36 of the lid. The tongue 74 is configured for sealing engagement with an upper surface of the rim 28 of the open mouth of the body 12 when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. The tongue 74 is continuous and so a continuous top seal is provided on the rim 28 of the open mouth.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 57 to 60 and 69 to 72, the cover 14 b and the side wall 14 a of the lid are coupled via a transition portion 76, for example, a curved transition portion. The tongue 74 is arranged such that it depends from an internal surface of said transition portion 76 of the lid. In other words, a root of the tongue 74 is provided at the transition portion 76. The body 12 comprises a base 12 b wherein the side wall 12 a of the body extends from the base 12 b. The tongue 74 extends away from the lid 14 in a direction towards the base 12 b of the body, at an acute angle to the cover 14 b. In some embodiments, the tongue 74 extends at an angle of between 20 and 70° to the cover 14 b, for example, between, 30 and 60°, for example, between 40 and 50°. In some embodiments, the tongue 74 extends from the lid at an angle of 40° or 50° to the cover.
By positioning the root of the tongue 74 at the curved transition portion 76 rather than at the internal cover surface 32 and/or by angling the tongue 74 towards the base of the body, i.e. away from the cover 14 b of the lid 14, at an acute angle to the cover, an increased volume of space can be provided between the upper surface of the rim 28 of the open mouth of the body 12 and the internal cover surface 32, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. This may be useful, for example, to retain wadding.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 57 to 60 and 69 to 72, the cover 14 b of the lid comprises a projection 78 a, for example a circular projection, extending away from the body 12. The base of the body 12 b also comprises a projection 82 or plurality of projections which are of complimentary shape to the projection of the lid 78 a, for example projection 82 may be ring shaped. The complimentary arrangement of projections 78 a, 82 on the lid and base facilitate stacking of the containers 10. In addition, the cover 14 b of the lid forms a conical face 78 b, for example a slight conical face, extending away from the base 12 b. This shape of lid 14 provides additional strength when multiple containers are stacked.
As can be seen in particular from FIG. 60, the tongue 74 in the embodiments of FIGS. 57-60 is provided with a first surface 74 a, facing the internal surface of the cover 32, and a second surface 74 b, facing the internal face 20 of the side wall of the lid 14. The first and second surfaces 74 a, 74 b are substantially parallel to each other. The free end of the tongue 74 is configured to abut the upper surface of the rim 28 of the open mouth of the body 12, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12, thereby providing sealing engagement between the tongue 74 and the rim 28. In some embodiments (not illustrated) the free end of the tongue 74 is provided with a flat portion arranged to contact the upper surface of the rim 28 of the body 12. This provides a greater area of contact between the tongue 74 and the rim 28 and hence provides improved sealing.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 57 to 72, the first formation 22 of the body defines a ridge 40 between first and second ramp surfaces 42, 44. Similar to previous embodiments described herein, the first ramp surface 42 terminates distal the ridge 40, at the open mouth of the chamber 16. The first ramp surface 42 extends towards the interior of the chamber, such that the diameter of the body at the rim is less than the diameter of the body at the crest of the ridge 40. In this way the rim of the open mouth of the chamber is in alignment with the free end of the tongue 74 when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. The tongue 74 therefore abuts the rim of the open mouth of the chamber for sealing engagement between the lid and the body.
Since the diameter of the body at the rim is less than the diameter of the body at the ridge 40, a space 80 is provided between the lid 14 and the body 12, when the lid is attached to the body. Such a space may be occupied by the outer perimeter of a covering 90, for example a film or foil, provided across the open mouth of the chamber 16, as is shown in particular in FIG. 72 and which will be described further below.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 57 to 64, the rim 28 of the open mouth of the body 12 has a sacrificial bead 84. This is provided at an upper surface of the rim at a point away from that at which the tongue 74 contacts the upper surface of the rim. For example, the bead 84 may be provided at an outermost edge of the upper surface, away from the central axis, and the tongue 74 may be arranged to contact an innermost edge of the upper surface, towards the central axis. The bead 84 is provided such that it does not interfere with the sealing action of the tongue 74 against the rim 28 of the open mouth of the body 12, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 60.
In some instances, it may be desirable to cover the open mouth of the chamber 16 with a covering 90, e.g. a foil or film. This might be for reasons of hygiene. Such a covering 90 may be sealed to the open mouth of the chamber at the point of fill of the container. The covering 90 may then be removed to access the contents of the container. Subsequent sealing between the lid and the body may be provided by the sealing arrangements described herein, for example, by engagement of the resilient tongue 74 and the rim of the open mouth of the chamber, as shown in FIGS. 57 to 60 and 69 to 72.
The covering 90 is welded to the rim 28 of the mouth of the chamber 16 (see FIGS. 65-72), e.g. by conduction or induction welding. When the covering 90 is welded to the rim 28 of the mouth, the sacrificial bead melts to weld the covering in place. This can be seen in FIG. 68, for example.
The provision of the sacrificial bead 84 restricts the width of the weld area to that of the sacrificial bead 84, thereby leaving the region of the upper surface of the rim 28 which is not provided with the sacrificial bead 84 (e.g., the edge of the surface nearest to the central axis) clean and free from weld. The tongue 74 is arranged to abut the upper surface at a point away from the sacrificial bead and so, when the covering 90 is removed, contacts a clean area of the lip, free from weld, to provide effective sealing. Alternatively, the sacrificial bead may be provided at an innermost portion of the surface of the rim, and the tongue arranged to abut an outermost portion of the surface of the rim.
When the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12, the edge of the covering 90 occupies the space 80 provided between the lid and the body and so does not impair the opening and closing of the container. The exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 57 to 72 relate to a container including a container body 12 having a base 12 b, a circumferential side wall 12 a extending from the base and a circumferential groove 86 provided in an outer face of the side wall 12 a. The container is configured such that the side wall 14 a of the lid 14 overlaps at least a portion of the side wall 12 a of the body 12 when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12. The lid is pressable into the groove 86 in the outer face of the side wall 12 a of the body 12 in order to cause the lid 14 to separate from the body 12 with a sliding action, in a similar manner as described in relation to the previous embodiments.
In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 57 to 72, the groove 86 has a pair of sides. The second ramp surface 44 of the first formation 22 on the body 12 forms a first side of the groove 86 on the body 12. The second formation 24 on the lid extends from the circumferential side wall of the lid 14 for snap fitting engagement over the first formation on the body 12, so that the first ramp surface 48 on the lid is adjacent the second ramp surface 44 on the body 12 (that is, the upper side of the groove), when the lid is releasably attached on the body 12.
The side of the groove 86 nearest the base 12 b of the container (i.e. the second side), is provided by a circumferential ramp formation 92 which projects from the side wall 12 a of the body. The ramp formation 92 has a concave surface 94 a which forms the second side of the groove (that is, the lower side of the groove). The concave surface 94 a engages the side wall of the lid 14, for example the lower edge of the skirt 26, and forces the lid 14 away from the body 12 as the side wall of the lid 14 is pressed into the groove 86. The side of the groove nearest the base acts as a ramp having an upward incline, and against which the lid 14 engages, when pressed into said groove 86, thereby causing the lid 14 to be driven up and off the body 12.
The ramp formation 92 includes a concave portion 94 which extends from the circumferential side wall 12 a of the body. The concave surface 94 a is provided by the concave portion 94. The ramp formation also includes a flange 96 extending from the concave portion 94 in a direction towards the base of the body 12. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 57 to 72 the flange 96 is substantially parallel to the side wall 12 a of the body 12 and is substantially flush with the side wall 14 a of the lid when the lid is releasably attached on the body 12. As is shown in FIGS. 57 to 72, the lower edge of the skirt 26 of the side wall of the lid extends to meet the ramp formation 92 when the lid is releasably attached on the body 12. This arrangement reduces the risk of the lid becoming prised off the body unintentionally and also provides the container with a smooth and aesthetically pleasing outer appearance.
The ramp formation 92 may also include a formation which leads into the concave side of the groove and which acts to facilitate an initial separating movement of the lid from the body, the formation being a convex formation. The convex formation may be provided by the transition 98 between the concave portion 94 and the flange 96. The flange may also have a convex surface 96 a.
FIGS. 73 to 77 show a container similar to those previously described wherein the extent to which the side wall 14 a of the lid 14 overlaps the side wall 12 a of the body 12 varies to provide regions of relatively small overlap and regions of relatively large overlap. In regions of relatively large overlap, the side wall 14 a defines tabs 100 extending from the cover 14 b of the lid substantially parallel to the side wall 12 a of the body 12. In the regions of relatively small overlap, the side wall 14 a defines reduced side wall portions 108 extending from the cover 14 b of the lid substantially parallel to the side wall 12 a of the body 12. As can be seen from FIGS. 73-77, the tabs 100 extend from the cover 14 b of the lid by a greater distance than the reduced side wall portions 108 of the lid 14.
Due to this variation in the length of the side wall 14 a, voids 102 are defined in the side wall 14 a of the lid 14 between the tabs 100 and the reduced side wall portions 108, as can be seen clearly in FIG. 75.
The tabs 100 are arranged such that they may be pressed in the direction of the central axis of the body 12 (as illustrated by the arrows in FIGS. 74 and 77), in order to flex the side wall 14 a and thereby disengage the second formation 24 from snap-fitting engagement with the first formation 22, in a similar manner to that previously described (see FIG. 77). In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 14 comprises a pair of tabs 100 diametrically opposite each other, however, any symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement of tabs may be used. Further, it will be appreciated that more than two tabs may be used. For example, 3, 4 or 5 tabs may be used. Alternatively, a single tab can be used. As will be understood, the number of voids 102 will equal the number of tabs 100.
By providing tabs 100 which can be pressed to release the lid and reduced side wall portions 108 between the tabs 100, the amount of material required to manufacture the lid 14 can be reduced.
As shown in FIG. 76, the tabs 100 are arranged to overlap the side wall 12 a of the body 12 by a given length, h, such that there is sufficient overlap for the tabs 100 to be pressed in the direction of the central axis of the body 12 in order to disengage the lid from the body. For example, the tabs 100 may extend at least 5mm from the crest of the ridge 46 of second formation 24 to an edge of the lid distal the cover, e.g. the lower edge 26 of the side wall 14 a. In some embodiments the tabs 100 may extend at least 8 mm from the crest of the ridge 46 to the lower edge 26, for example at least 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 mm. For example, the tabs 100 may extend between 8mm and 16mm from the crest of the ridge 46.
The reduced side wall portions 108 of the lid 14, i.e. the regions of side wall between the tabs 100, overlap the side wall 12 a of the body 12 to a lesser extent than the tabs 100. For example, the reduced side wall portions 108 may overlap the side wall 12 a of the body by less than 10 mm, e.g. less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm or less than 4 mm, from the crest of the ridge 46 of second formation 24 to an edge of the body distal the cover, e.g. the lower edge 26 of the side wall. For example, the reduced side wall portions 108 may overlap the external face 18 of the body by between 4 and 8 mm from the crest of the ridge 46 of the second formation 24. In these regions, pressing of the side wall towards the body is more difficult.
The side wall 12 a of the body can be thought of as comprising a neck 110, which is overlapped by the lid 14, and a main body portion 112. The neck 110 and the main body portion 112 are joined by a shoulder portion 114. The neck 110 has a diameter less than that of the main body portion 112. The container 10 is arranged such that at least a portion of the neck 110 is overlapped by the side wall 14 a of the lid 14, for example by the tabs 100 and the reduced side wall portions 101.
The side wall 12 a of the body 12, e.g. the neck 110, may comprise a formation or plurality of formations which are configured such that, when the lid 14 is releaseably attached to the body 12, the formations occupy at least a portion of the region defined by the voids 102. For example, the formation(s) may comprise a projection or plurality of projections extending from the side wall 12 a of the body, e.g. extending from the neck 110. Such projection(s) may take the form of a ridge, a single protrusion or a plurality of protrusions extending from the side wall 12 a of the body 12, such that the projection or plurality of projections define a shape complimentary to at least a portion of the shape defined by the voids 102 of the lid. In this way, the lid may only be attached to the body when the voids 102 of the lid and the projection(s) of the body 12 are aligned. In other words, the length of the tabs is such that, when the lid 14 is positioned with the tabs 100 in alignment with the projection(s), the tabs. 100 abut the projections and the first and second formations 22, 24 of the body 12 and lid 14 respectively are not brought close enough together to engage with each other in snap-fit engagement.
In exemplary embodiments, the side wall 12 a of the body 12 additionally or alternatively comprises a recess or plurality of recesses configured such that, when the lid is releasably attached to the body, the tabs 100 occupy at least a portion of the or each recess. Such recesses may be of complementary shape to the tabs 100. This arrangement has the effect that the lid may only be attached to the body when the tabs and recess(es) are aligned.
Accordingly, in this way, the lid 14 will only fit onto the body 12 in a limited number of predetermined orientations, for example 1, 2 etc. predetermined orientations; the predetermined orientations being determined by the relative positions of the voids of the lid and projections of the body and/or the relative positions of the tabs of the lid and recesses of the body. An advantage of this arrangement is that any design or labelling provided on the outer surfaces of the lid and body will be in alignment when the lid is replaced on the body, which can be particularly difficult to achieve with a screw thread cap.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 73 to 77, the shoulder 114 of the body 12 is shaped to compliment the lower edge 26 of the lid 14, in other words, to complement the shape defined by the tabs 100 and voids 102 of the lid 14. In this embodiment, the position of the shoulder 114 relative to the mouth of the neck 110, e.g. the distance of the shoulder 114 from the mouth, varies to form a profile complementary to that defined by the side wall 14 a of the lid. Since the main body portion 112, i.e. the portion of the body below the shoulder 114, has a larger diameter than the neck 110, i.e. the portion of the body above the shoulder 114, and since the profile of the side wall 12 a defined by the shoulder 114 is complementary to the profile defined by the lid 14, the side wall 14 a of the lid 14 lies flush with the side wall 12 a of the main body portion 112 i.e. the portion of the body 12 that is not overlapped by the lid 14, when the lid is releasably attached to the body 12.
This variation in the position of the shoulder 114 relative to the mouth of the body, complimentary to the variation in the lower edge 26 of the lid, results in the side wall of the body defining a pair of projections 104 and a pair of recesses 106. The pair of projections 104 are shaped to correspond to the pair of voids 102 of the lid such that each projection 104 is received by the respective void 102 when the lid is attached to the body. The pair of recesses 106 are shaped to correspond to the pair of tabs 100 of the lid such that each tab 100 is received by the respective recess 106 when the lid is attached to the body. This complimentary shaping of the lid and body ensures that the lid can only be attached to the body in a predetermined orientation. Of course, if the pair of tabs are positioned diametrically opposite each other, it is possible to attach the lid to the body in one of two predetermined orientations.
At least a portion of the shoulder 114, for example the portion of the shoulder 114 defining the recesses 106, comprises a concave surface which engages the side wall of the lid 14, for example the lower edge of the skirt 26, and forces the lid 14 away from the body 12 as the side wall of the lid 14 is pressed into the recess 106. This is similar to the concave surface 94 a previously described in relation to the embodiment of FIGS. 57 to 72.
As can be seen from FIGS. 76 and 77, a sealing tongue 74 is provided extending from the transition portion 76 of the lid, as previously described in relation to FIGS. 57 to 72, to provide sealing engagement between the lid and the body when the lid is releasably attached to the body. Alternatively, any other sealing means described herein may be used. Alternatively, no additional sealing means need be provided.
FIGS. 78 to 82 show another embodiment of the container 10 wherein the body 12 defines a chamber having a larger volume than the lid 14. The body 12 comprises a neck 110 coupled to the main body portion 112 by a shoulder 114. The neck 110 has a smaller diameter than the region of the main body portion 112 immediately below the shoulder 114. In some embodiments, the neck 110 has a smaller diameter than the rest of the body 12.The lid 14 is configured to overlap the neck when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12.
The external face 18 of the neck 110 of the body 12 defines a first formation 22 extending in a direction radially away from the central axis, in the same manner as described in relation to the previous embodiments. The internal face 20 of the lid 14 defines a second formation 24 extending radially in the direction of the central axis, in the same manner as described in relation to the previous embodiments. As previously described, the second formation 24 is arranged to snap-fittingly engage over the first formation 22, in order to releasably attach the lid to the body.
As can be seen from FIG. 79, the shoulder 114 of the body 12 comprises a sloped surface between the neck 110 and the main body portion 112. The sloped surface of the shoulder 114 engages the side wall 14 a of the lid 14, for example the lower edge of the skirt 26, and forces the lid 14 away from the body 12 as the side wall 14 a of the lid 14 is pressed towards the central axis, i.e. towards the neck 110 of the body 12. The side wall 14 a of the lid 14 defines a depression 116 indicating an optimal position for the lid to be squeezed in order to release the lid from the container. For example, this depression 116 may be provided in the region of the side wall 14 a between 5 and 20 mm from the crest of the ridge 46 of the second formation 24, between the second formation 24 and an edge of the lid distal the cover e.g. the lower edge 26 of the lid, for example, between 8 and 16 mm from the crest of the lid. In some embodiments, the depression 116 may be formed of a plurality of depressions provided around the outer face of the side wall 14 a of the lid 14.
Embodiments described herein may also comprises tamper evident features. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 78 to 82, the container comprises a tamper evident strip 120 coupled to the body 12 and the lid 14 to prevent removal of the lid 14 from the body 12 when the tamper evident strip 120 is present. The tamper evident strip 120 comprises a band 124 arranged to encircle the container 10, overlapping a portion of the lid 14 and a portion of the body 12, for example overlapping the point at which the lower edge of the skirt 26 of the lid 14 meets the body 12.
As shown in FIG. 79, a circumferential projection 122 is provided on the body 12, e.g. between the shoulder portion 114 and the main body portion 112. The lower edge of the band 124 defines a lip 126 arranged to engage the projection 122 of the body 12 (i.e. to engage the side of the projection 122 facing away from the lid). When the tamper evident strip 120 is in place, the lip 126 of the band 124 engages the projection 122 of the body 12 and at least a portion of the band 124 e.g. an edge of the band, is fused to the lid 14 at a plurality of points around the circumference of the lid. In this way, removal of the lid 14 is prevented while the tamper evident strip 120 is in place since the lid 14 is attached to the band 124 and movement of the band 124 away from the body 12 is prevented by engagement of the lip 126 of the band 124 with the projection 122 of the body 12.
Further, attachment of the tamper evident strip 120 to the lid 14 in combination with the interlocking of the projection 122 with the lip 126 acts to prevent movement of the side wall of the lid 14 in a direction towards the central axis of the body 12. In this way, it is not possible to release the lid 14 from the body 12 by pressing the side wall 14 of the lid towards the central axis of the body, in the manner previously described.
The tamper evident strip 120 also comprises a pull tab 128 extending from the band 124. To remove the tamper evident strip 120, the pull-tab 128 is pulled away from the container 10, thereby breaking the plurality of joins between the lid 14 and the band 124 (see FIG. 80). Once the tamper evident strip 120 has been removed from the container 10, the lid 14 may be removed from the body 12 in the manner previously described (see FIGS. 81 and 82).
Any suitable tamper evident solution can alternatively be used.
Whilst the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 78 to 82 does not comprise a seal between the lid 14 and body 12, it will be appreciated that sealing between the lid and body is optional and that any of the sealing arrangements described may be applied.
The lid 14 of embodiments described herein may be coupled to the body 12 by a hinge. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 83 to 87, the container comprises such a hinged lid.
Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 78 to 82, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 83 to 87 comprises a body 12 that defines a chamber having a larger volume than the lid 14. The body 12 comprises a neck 110 coupled to the main body portion 112 by a shoulder 114. The neck 110 has a smaller diameter than the region of the main body portion 112 immediately below the shoulder 114. In some embodiments, the neck has a smaller diameter than the rest of the body 12. The lid 14 is configured to overlap the neck when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12, as previously described in relation to FIGS. 78 to 82.
The side wall 14 a of the lid 14 comprises a region of relatively long length and a region of relatively short length. The region of relatively long length defines a tab 100 extending from the cover 14 b of the lid substantially parallel to the side wall 12 a of the body 12 when the lid is releasably attached to the body. The region of relatively short length defines a reduced side wall portion 108 extending from the cover 14 b of the lid substantially parallel to the side wall 12 a of the body 12 when the lid is releasably attached to the body.
Due to this variation in the length of the side wall 14 a, a void 102 is defined in the side wall 14 a of the lid 14 by the tab 100 and the reduced side wall portion 108, as can be seen clearly in FIG. 85. At least a portion of the shoulder 114 of the body 12 e.g. in the region of the recess 106, comprises a concave surface between the neck 110 and the main body portion 112. The concave surface of the shoulder 114 engages the tab 100 of the lid 14, for example the lower edge of the skirt 26 of the side wall defining the tab 100, and forces the lid 14 away from the body 12 as the tab 100 is pressed towards the central axis, i.e. towards the neck 110 of the body 12.
The shoulder 114 of the body 12 is shaped to complement the shape of the lower edge 26 of the lid 14. In other words, the shoulder 114 is shaped to complement the shape defined by the tab 100 and void 102 of the lid 14. In this embodiment, the position of the shoulder 114 relative to the mouth of the neck 110 varies such that the distance between the shoulder 114 and the mouth of the neck 110 is smallest in the region corresponding to the void 102 of the lid and largest in the region corresponding to the tab 100 of the lid. As can be seen from FIGS. 84 and 85, variation of the shoulder in this way defines a single recess 106, shaped such that, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12, the tab 100 occupies the region defined by the recess 106, and a single projection 104 shaped such that, when the lid 14 is releasably attached to the body 12, the projection 104 occupies the space defined by the void 102.
A hinge component 130 extends from the projection 104 of the body 12 to couple the lid 14 to the body 12. The hinge component 130 is provided in the centre of the projection 106, i.e. equidistant from either side of the tab 100.
The outer face of the tab 100 defines a pair of depressions 116, for example positioned diametrically opposite each other, indicating an optimal position for the side wall 14 a to be pressed towards the neck 110 in order to release the lid from the container. For example, this depression 116 may be provided in the region of the side wall 14 a between 5 and 20 mm from the crest of the ridge 46 of the second formation 24, between the second formation and an edge of the lid distal the cover, e.g. the lower edge 26 of the lid, for example, between 8 and 16 mm. The depressions 116 are positioned equidistant from the hinge 130.
The hinge 130 is provided equidistant from the pair of depressions 116. By locating the depressions 116 in this position relative to the hinge 130, the lid 14 is pressed towards the neck 110 of the body 12 at an optimal location to facilitate effective release of the lid 14 from the body 12.
The hinge component 130 is a live hinge. Alternatively, any other suitable hinge mechanism may be used, for example a hinge component comprising a hinge pin, a hinge component formed separately from the lid and/or body, a hinge comprising a plurality of hinge mechanisms, or any other suitable hinge as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
As can be seen in FIG. 86, a bore seal 54 is provided extending from the internal cover surface 32 of the lid and arranged to sealingly engage an internal surface of the open mouth of the neck when the lid is releasably attached to the body. The bore seal 54 is similar to that previously described in relation to FIGS. 17 to 20. It will be appreciated that any other sealing means described herein may alternatively or additionally be employed, or optionally no sealing means need be provided.
In use, to remove the lid 14 from the body 12, the tab 100 is pressed towards the neck of the body 12, preferably in the region of the depressions 116, in order to flex the side wall 14 a of the lid and thereby disengage the second formation 24 from snap-fitting engagement with the first formation 22. As the lid 14 is released from the body 12, the lid 14 pivots about the hinge 130 to an open position. In this way, the lid and body remain coupled together while the container is open. An advantage of this is that the container may be held in only one hand, leaving the other hand free to access the contents of the container.
The exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 88 to 93 comprises a container of the kind illustrated in FIGS. 83 to 87 adapted to include a tamper evident feature in the form of a strip 132.
In order to accommodate the tamper evident strip 132, the lid is provided with an additional void 102 in the tab 100, opposite the hinge 130, e.g. between the two depressions 116 previously described. Consequently the lid 14 comprises a pair of voids 102 positioned diametrically opposite each other and a pair of tabs 100 positioned diametrically opposite each other, wherein the hinge element 130 is provided adjacent one void 102, and the tamper evident strip 132 is configured to occupy the other.
When in place on the container 12, i.e. when the lid 14 is snap-fittingly attached to the body, the strip 132 is configured to occupy the region of the recess 106 defined by the body in between the region occupied by the pair of tabs 100. In other words, the tamper evident strip 132 is arranged to occupy the additional void 102 provided opposite the hinge 130. Accordingly, when the tamper strip 132 is in place, a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance is provided, as shown in FIG. 88.
The neck 110 of the body is provided with a projection 134 extending circumferentially in the region of the recess 106 occupied by the strip 132, i.e. in the region of the recess 106 which is between that occupied by the tabs 100. The strip 132 is provided with a complementary projection 136 arranged to engage the projection 134 of the neck 110 (i.e. to engage the side of the projection 134 away from the lid).
When the tamper evident strip 132 is in place, the projection 136 of the strip 132 engages the projection 134 of the neck 110 and the strip 132, e.g. an edge of the strip, is fused to the lid 14 at a plurality of points along the edge of the strip 132. In this way, removal of the lid 14 is prevented while the tamper evident strip 132 is in place since the strip 132 is attached to the lid 14 and movement of the strip 132 away from the body is prevented by engagement of the projection 136 of the strip 132 with the projection 134 of the neck 110.
The tamper evident strip 132 also comprises a pull tab 138 extending from the strip 132. To remove the tamper evident strip 132, the pull-tab 138 is pulled away from the container 10, thereby breaking the plurality of joins between the lid 14 and the strip 132 (see FIG. 89). Once the tamper evident strip 132 has been removed, the lid 14 may be released from the body 12 in the manner previously described.
It will be understood that multiple combinations of the sealing mechanisms described and illustrated herein are possible, e.g. to provide a top seal on the rim and an additional seal between the side wall of the lid and a portion of an external wall on the body.
It will be understood that the features of the shaped lid and/or body side wall, hinge and/or tamper evident features may be applied to any of the embodiments described herein.
Although the embodiments described herein refer to the side wall 14 a of the lid 14 being arranged to extend from a cover 14 b of the lid 14, it will be appreciated that the cover 14 b need not be provided such that it is substantially perpendicular to the side wall 14 a. Similarly, the cover 14 b is not limited to being substantially planar. In some embodiments the cover 14 b and side wall 14 a may comprise a curved outer profile, for example, such that they form a continuous curved outer surface. In some embodiments, the cover and/or side wall may comprise a substantially hemispherical outer profile.
It will also be understood that the sealing mechanisms described in relation to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 56 are applicable to containers having a body comprising a ramp and groove formation, like those described in relation to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 57 to 93. That is, those in which the lower end of the lid is intended to cooperate with part of a groove or ramp surface on the body for a ‘squeeze and release’ operation. Similarly, the sealing arrangement and features in relation to the covering described in relation to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 57 to 72 are applicable to the containers described in relation to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 56 and 73 to 93.
It will be understood that any of the sealing mechanisms described herein are applicable to any of the containers described herein.
The illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 72 show a container wherein the volume of the lid is substantially the same as the volume of the body. However, the body may be of a different volume, e.g. see the exemplary embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 73 to 93.
In other embodiments, for example, the body may define a chamber of significantly greater volume than the lid, such as in excess of two times the volume of the lid. In exemplary embodiments, the body is of bottle-type construction, defining a chamber having an internal capacity of 200-300 millilitres. In such embodiments, the body may be of generally uniform diameter. Alternatively, the body may define a neck having a diameter significantly smaller than the diameter of the rest of the body, and further wherein lid is configured to overlap a portion of the neck, once releasably attached to the body. In exemplary embodiments, the body will define a shoulder immediately below the neck. The lower end of the lid may be spaced from or configured to nest with the shoulder on the body, once the lid has been releasably attached to the body.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a body and a lid of plastics construction; wherein the body defines a chamber having an open mouth with a central axis, and wherein the lid is intended to cover said open mouth; wherein the body and lid are configured to cooperate with one another to provide snap-fitting engagement therebetween, in order to releasably attach the lid to the body; wherein the body has an external face, and the lid includes an internal face intended to overlap at least a portion of said external face of the body when the lid is releasably attached thereto; wherein the lid is configured for sealing engagement with the body.

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the open mouth of the chamber has an upper lip; and wherein the lid includes an annular and resilient tongue, which defines a cantilever, and which is configured so that an underside of said cantilever is in biased sealing contact with said lip when the lid is releasably attached to the body.

3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the lid comprises a cover coupled to a circumferential side wall, wherein the cover extends across the mouth of the body and the side wall overlaps at least a portion of the external face of the body when the lid is releasably attached to the body, wherein the tongue extends in a direction away from the cover and at an acute angle to said cover, when the lid is releasably attached to the body.

4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the tongue is configured to extend at an angle of between 40 and 50° from the cover of the lid.

5. A container according claim 3, wherein the tongue is provided with a first surface facing the cover, and a second surface facing the internal face of the side wall of the lid, such that the first and second surfaces are substantially parallel to each other.

6. A container according to claim 3, wherein the cover and the circumferential side wall are coupled via a transition portion, and wherein the tongue is configured to extend from the transition portion.

7. A container according to claim 2, wherein the open mouth of the chamber comprises a rim, and wherein the tongue terminates at an upper surface of said rim, when the lid is releasably attached to the body, to provide sealing engagement between the lid and the body.

8. A container according to claim 7, wherein a sacrificial bead is provided on the upper surface of the rim, wherein the bead is configured to seal a foil or film to the rim of the open mouth, and wherein the bead is provided at a region on the upper surface of the rim separate from the point of contact between the tongue and the upper surface of the rim.

9. A container according to claim 1, wherein said body has a central axis, and said external face of the body defines a first formation extending in a direction radially away from the central axis, the internal face of the lid defines a second formation extending radially in the direction of the central axis, and wherein the second formation is configured for snap-fitting engagement over said first formation when the lid is applied to the body, in order to releasably attach the lid to the body.

10. A container according to claim 9, wherein the first formation defines a ridge between first and second ramp surfaces on the body, and/or wherein the second formation defines a ridge between first and second ramp surfaces on the lid.

11. A container according to claim 10, wherein the first ramp surface terminates distal the ridge, at the open mouth of the chamber, and wherein the diameter at the mouth of the chamber is less that the diameter of the body at the crest of the ridge such that a rim of the open mouth of the chamber is in alignment with the or a resilient tongue provided on the lid, when the lid is releasably attached to the body, to provide sealing engagement between the lid and the body.

12. A container according to claim 1, the lid having a cover and a side wall coupled to the cover, the side wall configured to extend to an edge distal the cover, and the internal face of the lid being part of the side wall; wherein at least a portion of the side wall overlaps the external face of the body by a distance of between 5-20 mm from a point of snap fit engagement of the lid and body to the edge of the side wall.

13. A container according to claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the side wall of the lid overlaps the external face of the body by a distance of between 8 and 16 mm from the point of snap-fit engagement to the edge of the side wall.

14. A container according to claim 1, wherein the extent to which the internal face of the lid overlaps the external face of the body varies around the lid to provide a first overlapping region and a second overlapping region, wherein the first overlapping region overlaps the external face of the body to a greater extent than the second overlapping region, wherein the first overlapping region defines a tab and wherein a void is provided adjacent the second overlapping region, the tab being pressable towards the or a central axis of the body in order to flex the side wall of the lid and thereby disengage the snap-fitting engagement between the lid and the body.

15. A container according to claim 14, wherein the external face of the body defines one or more recesses configured to receive the tab defined by the lid, when the lid is releasably attached to the body, and/or wherein the external face of the body defines one or more projections, the or each projection configured to occupy at least a portion of the void defined by the lid.

16. A container according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a tamper evident component, configured such that, when attached to the container, the component is coupled to the body and/or the lid.

17. A container according to claim 1, wherein the lid is coupled to the body via a hinge element.

18. A container according to claim 17, wherein the lid comprises a side wall, the internal face forming part of the side wall of the lid, wherein the side wall defines a tab or pair of tabs configured to overlap the external face of the body to a greater extent than the remainder of the side wall, wherein the hinge element is provided equidistant from the or each tab.

19. A container according to claim 1, wherein the body has a base, and a groove in said external face; the lid having a top wall and a circumferential side wall; the container being such that the side wall of the lid overlaps the side wall of the body when the lid is on the body; and the lid is pressable into the groove on the body in order to cause the lid to separate from the body with a sliding action.

20. A container according to claim 19, wherein the groove has a pair of sides, and in which the side of the groove nearest said base comprises a concave surface which engages the side wall of the lid and forces the lid away from the body as the side wall of the lid is pressed into the groove.