US20200000296A1 - Lid assembly having a curvilinear spring activated, pop-open lid, and container having same - Google Patents
Lid assembly having a curvilinear spring activated, pop-open lid, and container having same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200000296A1 US20200000296A1 US16/316,812 US201816316812A US2020000296A1 US 20200000296 A1 US20200000296 A1 US 20200000296A1 US 201816316812 A US201816316812 A US 201816316812A US 2020000296 A1 US2020000296 A1 US 2020000296A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- spring
- flange
- assembly
- closed position
- 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
-
- 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
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/42—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked
- A47K10/421—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked dispensing from the top of the dispenser
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/16—Paper towels; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/18—Holders; Receptacles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K2010/3233—Details of the housing, e.g. hinges, connection to the wall
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K2010/3266—Wet wipes
Definitions
- disposable moist wipes are often sold in rigid tubs or flexible pouches that include a dispensing orifice through which to extract the wipes from the interior of the tub or pouch.
- a movable and resealable flap or lid typically covers the dispensing orifice, so that when a wipe is not being dispensed, the tub or pouch can be sealed to the outside environment to prevent moisture loss from the plurality of moist wipes housed therein.
- Mechanisms for opening the flap or lid vary.
- the lid In a common “push button” design, the lid is held closed via a latching mechanism. In the closed position, a compressed spring lies in tension against an undersurface of the lid. When an opening button is pressed, the latching mechanism releases the lid, and the compressed spring unloads its tension to throw the lid to an open position.
- Such “push button” opening mechanisms are a desirable and elegant design, delivering intuitive, simple, and reliable operation to a user of the moist wipes dispenser.
- a first embodiment of the invention includes a lid assembly adapted to form part of a dispensing container, the assembly having a longitudinal dimension, a transverse dimension, and a height dimension.
- the assembly includes a flange that forms a closed loop; a lid joined to the flange via a hinge, the lid adapted to pivot about the hinge between a closed position and an open position; a spring in the flange positioned proximate the hinge, the spring having first and second ends, the spring joined to the flange at the first and second ends; and an opening button in the flange positioned longitudinally opposite the spring on the closed loop.
- the flange, the button, the spring, and the lid are all integrally formed together.
- the lid in the closed position is stacked above the flange in the height dimension.
- the spring forms a convex arc whose convexity extends away from the flange in the height dimension when the lid is in the open position.
- the arc is at least partially deformed toward the flange in the height dimension when the lid is in the closed position, the spring having stored potential energy when the lid is in the closed position, and having no stored potential energy when the lid is in the open position.
- a second embodiment of the invention includes the first embodiment, further wherein the lid includes a catch and the button includes a latch, the catch adapted to engage the latch when the lid is in the closed position, and wherein when the button is pressed, the latch releases the catch, allowing the spring to urge the lid toward the open position.
- a third embodiment of the invention includes either of the first or the second embodiments, wherein the flange is hollow under an entirety of the arc.
- a fourth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the third embodiments, wherein the spring has a width extending in the longitudinal dimension, and wherein under the spring in the height dimension the flange defines a hole having a hole width that is at least as wide as the spring width, the hole extending from the first end of the spring to the second end of the spring.
- a fifth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the fourth embodiments, wherein the convex arc is flanked by a pair of concave arcs, each of whose concavity extends away from the convex arc in the height dimension.
- a sixth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the fifth embodiments, wherein the assembly consists of a substantially homogenous polymeric structure.
- a seventh embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the sixth embodiments, wherein the assembly consists of a single polymer selected from the group of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, poly acrylo nitrile, and poly carbonate.
- An eighth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the seventh embodiments, wherein the lid defines a top side and an underside, and wherein the spring exerts force against the underside of the lid in the height dimension when the lid is in the closed position.
- a ninth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the eighth embodiments, wherein the spring exerts substantially no force against the lid in the longitudinal dimension when the lid is in the closed position.
- a tenth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the ninth embodiments, wherein the assembly includes no component made of rubber, silicone, elastomer, or metal.
- An eleventh embodiment of the invention includes a lid assembly adapted to form part of a dispensing container, the assembly having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension.
- the assembly includes a flange; a lid joined to the flange via a hinge, wherein the hinge extends in the transverse dimension, the lid adapted to pivot about the hinge between a closed position and an open position; and a curvilinear spring disposed proximate to the hinge and interposed between the flange and the lid, the spring having at least two points of inflection when the lid is an open position.
- the hinge is a living hinge and the lid, the hinge, and the curvilinear spring are integrally formed with one another.
- the flange has an upper surface lying in a first plane and the curvilinear spring has an arced portion having an upper surface lying in a second plane that is above the first plane when the lid is in an open position.
- a twelfth embodiment of the invention includes the eleventh embodiment, wherein the curvilinear spring is integrally formed with the flange.
- a thirteenth embodiment of the invention includes either of the eleventh or the twelfth embodiments, further comprising an opening button disposed on the flange.
- a fourteenth embodiment of the invention includes any of the eleventh through the thirteenth embodiments, wherein the curvilinear spring has at least three points of inflection when the lid is in the open position.
- a fifteenth embodiment of the invention includes any of the eleventh through the fourteenth embodiments, wherein the flange is annular.
- a sixteenth embodiment of the invention includes any of the eleventh through the fifteenth embodiments, wherein the curvilinear spring has a first and a second end joined to the flange and the at least two points of inflection lie between the first and the second ends when the lid is in the open position.
- a seventeenth embodiment of the invention includes any of the eleventh through the sixteenth embodiments, wherein the curvilinear spring has an m-shape or a w-shape when the lid is in the open position.
- An eighteenth embodiment of the invention includes a dispensing container, the container having a housing for storing product, the housing defining an interior space, the housing having an outer surface generally facing away from the interior space, the housing having a dispensing orifice for withdrawing product from the interior space.
- the container includes the lid assembly of any of the first through the seventeenth embodiments.
- a nineteenth embodiment of the invention includes the dispensing container of the eighteenth embodiment, wherein the housing is a flexible film pouch, and wherein the product comprises disposable personal care tissues or moist wipes.
- FIG. 1A representatively illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the lid assembly of the invention, shown with the lid shut, and affixed to a flexible package, and with a portion cut away to show underlying features.
- FIG. 1B representatively illustrates a top view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 1C representatively illustrates a front view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 1D representatively illustrates a side view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 2A representatively illustrates a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1A , shown with the lid partially open, and affixed to a flexible package.
- FIG. 2B representatively illustrates a top view of the lid assembly FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 2C representatively illustrates a front view of the lid assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 2D representatively illustrates a side view of the lid assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 2E representatively illustrates a front perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1A , with the lid fully open and showing the inside surfaces of the flange and lid components.
- FIG. 2F representatively illustrates a top view of the flange component of the lid assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 2G representatively illustrates a front view of the flange component of the lid assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 3A representatively illustrates a front perspective view of the spring and hinge region of the lid assembly embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 , showing the spring in an uncompressed condition.
- FIG. 3B representatively illustrates the spring and hinge region shown in FIG. 3A , but with the spring shown in a compressed condition.
- a dispensing container 20 ( FIG. 1A ) is adapted to store and dispense product, such as a stack of moist wipes (not shown).
- product suitable for use in conjunction with the present invention include facial tissues, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, candy, snacks, or the like.
- the container 20 includes a housing 14 .
- the housing 14 can be rigid, such as a plastic container (not shown).
- the housing 14 can be flexible, such as a flexible pouch 15 , as representatively illustrated in FIG. 1A .
- the flexible pouch can be made of any suitable flexible substrate, including a polymeric film, a nonwoven fabric, cloth, rubber, foil, or the like.
- the housing 14 defines an interior space 26 , and an outer surface 29 generally facing away from the interior space 26 .
- the housing 14 defines a dispensing orifice 27 ( FIG. 2A ) through which the wipes can be individually extracted from the interior space 26 .
- the housing 14 is formed of a substantially moisture-impervious material, such as when the housing 14 is used to house pre-moistened wipes.
- the container includes a lid assembly 30 .
- the assembly 30 has a longitudinal dimension 31 , a transverse dimension 32 , and a height dimension 33 .
- the assembly 30 includes a flange 40 .
- the flange forms a closed loop 35 (such as an annular ring), as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2E .
- the flange 40 is disposed on the outer surface 29 of the housing 14 , such as by being affixed to the outer surface 29 of the housing 14 ( FIGS. 1A and 2A ), such as via adhesive.
- the flange 40 can be integrally formed with the housing.
- the assembly 30 includes a lid 50 .
- the lid 50 is joined to the flange 40 at a hinge 42 .
- the hinge 42 extends in the transverse dimension 32 .
- the lid 50 is adapted to pivot about the hinge 42 between a closed position 52 and an open position 54 .
- the hinge 42 is a living hinge.
- the lid 50 When the lid 50 is in the closed position 52 , the lid 50 is stacked above the flange 40 in the height dimension 33 ( FIGS. 1A-1D ), and is interposed between the flange 40 and the lid 50 .
- the lid 50 covers the dispensing orifice 27 when the lid is in a closed position 36 ( FIG. 1A ), and the lid 40 exposes the dispensing orifice 27 when the lid 50 is in an open position 34 ( FIG. 2A ).
- the lid 50 can optionally include at least one lid moisture retention ridge 35 .
- the assembly 30 includes a spring 60 .
- the spring 60 is positioned proximate the hinge 42 .
- the spring 60 is curvilinear.
- the spring has a first end 61 and a second end 62 , and is in particular embodiments joined to the flange 40 at its first and second ends 61 , 62 .
- the assembly further includes an opening button 70 in the flange 40 .
- the opening button 70 is positioned opposite the spring 60 on the closed loop 35 , as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2F .
- the spring 60 has a spring width 63 that in particular embodiments extends in the longitudinal dimension 31 , and has a spring length 65 that extends in the transverse dimension 32 from the first end 61 to the second end 62 .
- the spring length 65 extends from the first end 61 to the second end 62 in the longitudinal dimension 31
- the spring width 63 extends in the transverse dimension 32 (not shown).
- the assembly 30 can include two or more springs 60 , each of which could have the features described herein.
- the flange 40 , the lid 50 , the spring 60 , and the button 70 are all integrally formed together, such as by all being part of the same unitary plastic structure. This is in contrast to conventional push-button lid structures, which typically rely on joining together two or more separate components, one of which is typically a discrete spring made of rubber, silicone, elastomer, or metal.
- Polymeric injection molding is one example of a suitable technology with which to form the integral structure of particular embodiments of the present invention.
- the assembly 30 consists of a homogenous polymeric composition.
- the assembly 30 consists of a single polymer selected from the group of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, poly acrylo nitrile, and poly carbonate.
- the ability of particular embodiments of the invention to deliver “pop-open” action via a push-button using the herein-described simple one-piece construction, devoid of a separately produced spring component, can provide an elegant, more easily recycled design having reduced raw material and assembly cost.
- the lid assembly 30 includes no component made of rubber, silicone, elastomer, or metal.
- the lid assembly 30 is made entirely of material having a flex modulus of 100,000 PSI or greater, such as between 100,000 and 450,000 PSI, as measured by ASTM D 790A.
- the lid assembly 30 is made entirely of material having a tensile modulus of between 0.1 GPa to 12 GPa, and more particularly from 0.3 GPa to 4.5 GPa.
- the lid assembly 30 includes no material having a tensile modulus less than 0.1 GPa.
- the lid assembly 30 is made only of polyolefins, such as polypropylene, with an elastic moduli of about 2000 MPa (such between 1800 MPa and 2200 MPa), and a yield strength of about 20 MPa (such as between 15 MPa and 25 MPa). Elastic modulus and yield strength can be measured using ASTM D 638.
- the spring 60 is curvilinear, and forms at least one convex arc 66 whose convexity extends away from the flange 40 in the height dimension 33 when the lid is in the open position 34 .
- the arc 66 is at least partially deformed toward the flange 40 in the height dimension 33 , as representatively illustrated in FIG. 3B .
- the spring 60 possesses stored potential energy (that is, when the lid 50 is in the closed position 36 ).
- the convex arc 66 returns, and the spring 60 has no stored potential energy.
- the lid 50 is held in the closed position 36 until the button 70 is pressed.
- the spring 60 urges the lid 50 toward the open position 34 .
- the convex arc 66 is flanked by a pair of concave arcs 37 A, 37 B.
- the concavity of each concave arc 37 A, 37 B extends away from the convex arc 66 in the height dimension 33 .
- the spring 60 has at least two, and more particularly at least three, and more particularly at least four, points of inflection when the lid is in the open position 34 .
- the flange 40 has an upper surface 46 lying in a first plane and the convex arc 66 of the spring 60 has an upper surface 68 lying in a second plane, and the second plane is above the first plane when the lid 50 is in the open position 34 .
- the spring 60 has a c-shape, an s-shape, an m-shape, or a w-shape.
- Convex means having an outline or surface curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere.
- Concave means having an outline or surface that curves inward like the interior of a circle or sphere.
- the lid 50 defines a top side 55 and an underside 56 .
- the spring 60 exerts force against the underside 56 of the lid 50 in the height dimension 33 when the lid 50 is in the closed position 36 .
- the spring 60 exerts substantially no force against the lid 50 in the longitudinal dimension 31 when the lid is in the closed position 36 .
- the lid 50 includes a catch 51 and the button 70 includes a latch 71 , as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E .
- the latch 71 is adapted to engage the catch 51 when the lid 50 is in the closed position 36 , and to restrain the lid 50 in such closed position 36 .
- the button 70 is pressed, the latch 71 is moved so as to release the catch 51 , allowing the spring 60 to convert potential energy to kinetic energy and thereby urge the lid 50 toward the open position 34 .
- the flange 40 is hollow under an entirety of the convex arc 66 . In other words, there is no material in the flange 40 directly under (under in the height dimension 33 ) the convex arc 66 . In particular embodiments, the flange 40 is hollow under an entirety of the convex arc 66 , and under an entirety of each concave arc 67 A, 67 B. In other words, there is no material in the flange 40 directly under (under in the height dimension 33 ) the convex arc 66 and the concave arcs 67 A, 67 B. In particular embodiments, the flange 40 defines a hole 44 under the spring 60 (under in the height dimension 33 ).
- the hole 44 has a hole width 45 ( FIG. 2F ) that is at least as wide as the spring width 63 .
- the hole 44 extends from the first end 61 of the spring 60 to the second end 62 of the spring 60 .
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Abstract
Description
- Consumer products, such as disposable wipes, are often sold in packages designed to both store and dispense the products. For example, disposable moist wipes are often sold in rigid tubs or flexible pouches that include a dispensing orifice through which to extract the wipes from the interior of the tub or pouch. A movable and resealable flap or lid typically covers the dispensing orifice, so that when a wipe is not being dispensed, the tub or pouch can be sealed to the outside environment to prevent moisture loss from the plurality of moist wipes housed therein.
- Mechanisms for opening the flap or lid vary. In a common “push button” design, the lid is held closed via a latching mechanism. In the closed position, a compressed spring lies in tension against an undersurface of the lid. When an opening button is pressed, the latching mechanism releases the lid, and the compressed spring unloads its tension to throw the lid to an open position. Such “push button” opening mechanisms are a desirable and elegant design, delivering intuitive, simple, and reliable operation to a user of the moist wipes dispenser.
- However, conventional spring-based push-button mechanisms suffer from a key deficiency. Most moist wipe dispensing packages having a push-button opening feature on the market today are formed from rigid or flexible recyclable plastics, and the inclusion of a rubber, silicone, or metal spring component in the package structure complicates efforts to easily recycle the package material. It is not practical to rely on the consumer to dissemble the dispenser lid assembly and remove the non-integral spring component prior to recycling. Furthermore, the separate spring component made of rubber, silicone, metal or similar material adds undesirable expense to the package.
- As a result, there is a need for an improved push-button storage and dispensing package for consumer products.
- A first embodiment of the invention includes a lid assembly adapted to form part of a dispensing container, the assembly having a longitudinal dimension, a transverse dimension, and a height dimension. The assembly includes a flange that forms a closed loop; a lid joined to the flange via a hinge, the lid adapted to pivot about the hinge between a closed position and an open position; a spring in the flange positioned proximate the hinge, the spring having first and second ends, the spring joined to the flange at the first and second ends; and an opening button in the flange positioned longitudinally opposite the spring on the closed loop. The flange, the button, the spring, and the lid are all integrally formed together. The lid in the closed position is stacked above the flange in the height dimension. The spring forms a convex arc whose convexity extends away from the flange in the height dimension when the lid is in the open position. The arc is at least partially deformed toward the flange in the height dimension when the lid is in the closed position, the spring having stored potential energy when the lid is in the closed position, and having no stored potential energy when the lid is in the open position. If the lid is in the closed position, the lid is held in the closed position until the button is pressed. When the button is pressed, the spring urges the lid toward the open position.
- A second embodiment of the invention includes the first embodiment, further wherein the lid includes a catch and the button includes a latch, the catch adapted to engage the latch when the lid is in the closed position, and wherein when the button is pressed, the latch releases the catch, allowing the spring to urge the lid toward the open position.
- A third embodiment of the invention includes either of the first or the second embodiments, wherein the flange is hollow under an entirety of the arc.
- A fourth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the third embodiments, wherein the spring has a width extending in the longitudinal dimension, and wherein under the spring in the height dimension the flange defines a hole having a hole width that is at least as wide as the spring width, the hole extending from the first end of the spring to the second end of the spring.
- A fifth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the fourth embodiments, wherein the convex arc is flanked by a pair of concave arcs, each of whose concavity extends away from the convex arc in the height dimension.
- A sixth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the fifth embodiments, wherein the assembly consists of a substantially homogenous polymeric structure.
- A seventh embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the sixth embodiments, wherein the assembly consists of a single polymer selected from the group of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, poly acrylo nitrile, and poly carbonate.
- An eighth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the seventh embodiments, wherein the lid defines a top side and an underside, and wherein the spring exerts force against the underside of the lid in the height dimension when the lid is in the closed position.
- A ninth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the eighth embodiments, wherein the spring exerts substantially no force against the lid in the longitudinal dimension when the lid is in the closed position.
- A tenth embodiment of the invention includes any of the first through the ninth embodiments, wherein the assembly includes no component made of rubber, silicone, elastomer, or metal.
- An eleventh embodiment of the invention includes a lid assembly adapted to form part of a dispensing container, the assembly having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension. The assembly includes a flange; a lid joined to the flange via a hinge, wherein the hinge extends in the transverse dimension, the lid adapted to pivot about the hinge between a closed position and an open position; and a curvilinear spring disposed proximate to the hinge and interposed between the flange and the lid, the spring having at least two points of inflection when the lid is an open position. The hinge is a living hinge and the lid, the hinge, and the curvilinear spring are integrally formed with one another. The flange has an upper surface lying in a first plane and the curvilinear spring has an arced portion having an upper surface lying in a second plane that is above the first plane when the lid is in an open position.
- A twelfth embodiment of the invention includes the eleventh embodiment, wherein the curvilinear spring is integrally formed with the flange.
- A thirteenth embodiment of the invention includes either of the eleventh or the twelfth embodiments, further comprising an opening button disposed on the flange.
- A fourteenth embodiment of the invention includes any of the eleventh through the thirteenth embodiments, wherein the curvilinear spring has at least three points of inflection when the lid is in the open position.
- A fifteenth embodiment of the invention includes any of the eleventh through the fourteenth embodiments, wherein the flange is annular.
- A sixteenth embodiment of the invention includes any of the eleventh through the fifteenth embodiments, wherein the curvilinear spring has a first and a second end joined to the flange and the at least two points of inflection lie between the first and the second ends when the lid is in the open position.
- A seventeenth embodiment of the invention includes any of the eleventh through the sixteenth embodiments, wherein the curvilinear spring has an m-shape or a w-shape when the lid is in the open position.
- An eighteenth embodiment of the invention includes a dispensing container, the container having a housing for storing product, the housing defining an interior space, the housing having an outer surface generally facing away from the interior space, the housing having a dispensing orifice for withdrawing product from the interior space. The container includes the lid assembly of any of the first through the seventeenth embodiments.
- A nineteenth embodiment of the invention includes the dispensing container of the eighteenth embodiment, wherein the housing is a flexible film pouch, and wherein the product comprises disposable personal care tissues or moist wipes.
-
FIG. 1A representatively illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the lid assembly of the invention, shown with the lid shut, and affixed to a flexible package, and with a portion cut away to show underlying features. -
FIG. 1B representatively illustrates a top view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 1C representatively illustrates a front view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 1D representatively illustrates a side view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 2A representatively illustrates a perspective view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 1A , shown with the lid partially open, and affixed to a flexible package. -
FIG. 2B representatively illustrates a top view of the lid assemblyFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 2C representatively illustrates a front view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 2D representatively illustrates a side view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 2E representatively illustrates a front perspective view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 1A , with the lid fully open and showing the inside surfaces of the flange and lid components. -
FIG. 2F representatively illustrates a top view of the flange component of the lid assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 2G representatively illustrates a front view of the flange component of the lid assembly ofFIG. 2A . -
FIG. 3A representatively illustrates a front perspective view of the spring and hinge region of the lid assembly embodiment ofFIGS. 1-2 , showing the spring in an uncompressed condition. -
FIG. 3B representatively illustrates the spring and hinge region shown inFIG. 3A , but with the spring shown in a compressed condition. - In particular embodiments, a dispensing container 20 (
FIG. 1A ) is adapted to store and dispense product, such as a stack of moist wipes (not shown). Other examples of product suitable for use in conjunction with the present invention include facial tissues, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, candy, snacks, or the like. Thecontainer 20 includes ahousing 14. Thehousing 14 can be rigid, such as a plastic container (not shown). Alternatively, thehousing 14 can be flexible, such as aflexible pouch 15, as representatively illustrated inFIG. 1A . The flexible pouch can be made of any suitable flexible substrate, including a polymeric film, a nonwoven fabric, cloth, rubber, foil, or the like. - The
housing 14 defines aninterior space 26, and anouter surface 29 generally facing away from theinterior space 26. Thehousing 14 defines a dispensing orifice 27 (FIG. 2A ) through which the wipes can be individually extracted from theinterior space 26. In particular embodiments, thehousing 14 is formed of a substantially moisture-impervious material, such as when thehousing 14 is used to house pre-moistened wipes. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the container includes alid assembly 30. Theassembly 30 has alongitudinal dimension 31, atransverse dimension 32, and aheight dimension 33. Theassembly 30 includes aflange 40. In particular embodiments, the flange forms a closed loop 35 (such as an annular ring), as representatively illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2E . In particular embodiments, theflange 40 is disposed on theouter surface 29 of thehousing 14, such as by being affixed to theouter surface 29 of the housing 14 (FIGS. 1A and 2A ), such as via adhesive. Alternatively, theflange 40 can be integrally formed with the housing. - The
assembly 30 includes alid 50. Thelid 50 is joined to theflange 40 at ahinge 42. Thehinge 42 extends in thetransverse dimension 32. Thelid 50 is adapted to pivot about thehinge 42 between a closed position 52 and anopen position 54. In particular embodiments, thehinge 42 is a living hinge. - When the
lid 50 is in the closed position 52, thelid 50 is stacked above theflange 40 in the height dimension 33 (FIGS. 1A-1D ), and is interposed between theflange 40 and thelid 50. When theassembly 30 forms part of acontainer 20, thelid 50 covers the dispensingorifice 27 when the lid is in a closed position 36 (FIG. 1A ), and thelid 40 exposes the dispensingorifice 27 when thelid 50 is in an open position 34 (FIG. 2A ). Thelid 50 can optionally include at least one lidmoisture retention ridge 35. - The
assembly 30 includes aspring 60. Thespring 60 is positioned proximate thehinge 42. Thespring 60 is curvilinear. The spring has afirst end 61 and asecond end 62, and is in particular embodiments joined to theflange 40 at its first and second ends 61, 62. The assembly further includes anopening button 70 in theflange 40. Theopening button 70 is positioned opposite thespring 60 on theclosed loop 35, as shown inFIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2F . Thespring 60 has aspring width 63 that in particular embodiments extends in thelongitudinal dimension 31, and has aspring length 65 that extends in thetransverse dimension 32 from thefirst end 61 to thesecond end 62. In other embodiments, thespring length 65 extends from thefirst end 61 to thesecond end 62 in thelongitudinal dimension 31, and thespring width 63 extends in the transverse dimension 32 (not shown). Furthermore, theassembly 30 can include two ormore springs 60, each of which could have the features described herein. - The
flange 40, thelid 50, thespring 60, and thebutton 70 are all integrally formed together, such as by all being part of the same unitary plastic structure. This is in contrast to conventional push-button lid structures, which typically rely on joining together two or more separate components, one of which is typically a discrete spring made of rubber, silicone, elastomer, or metal. Polymeric injection molding is one example of a suitable technology with which to form the integral structure of particular embodiments of the present invention. In particular embodiments, theassembly 30 consists of a homogenous polymeric composition. In particular embodiments, theassembly 30 consists of a single polymer selected from the group of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, poly acrylo nitrile, and poly carbonate. The ability of particular embodiments of the invention to deliver “pop-open” action via a push-button using the herein-described simple one-piece construction, devoid of a separately produced spring component, can provide an elegant, more easily recycled design having reduced raw material and assembly cost. In particular embodiments, thelid assembly 30 includes no component made of rubber, silicone, elastomer, or metal. - In particular embodiments, the
lid assembly 30 is made entirely of material having a flex modulus of 100,000 PSI or greater, such as between 100,000 and 450,000 PSI, as measured by ASTM D 790A. In particular embodiments, thelid assembly 30 is made entirely of material having a tensile modulus of between 0.1 GPa to 12 GPa, and more particularly from 0.3 GPa to 4.5 GPa. In particular embodiments, thelid assembly 30 includes no material having a tensile modulus less than 0.1 GPa. In particular embodiments, thelid assembly 30 is made only of polyolefins, such as polypropylene, with an elastic moduli of about 2000 MPa (such between 1800 MPa and 2200 MPa), and a yield strength of about 20 MPa (such as between 15 MPa and 25 MPa). Elastic modulus and yield strength can be measured using ASTM D 638. - Referring to
FIGS. 2A-2G and 3A , thespring 60 is curvilinear, and forms at least oneconvex arc 66 whose convexity extends away from theflange 40 in theheight dimension 33 when the lid is in theopen position 34. When thelid 50 is in theclosed position 36, thearc 66 is at least partially deformed toward theflange 40 in theheight dimension 33, as representatively illustrated inFIG. 3B . In this deformed condition, thespring 60 possesses stored potential energy (that is, when thelid 50 is in the closed position 36). Conversely, when thelid 50 is in theopen position 34, theconvex arc 66 returns, and thespring 60 has no stored potential energy. If thelid 50 is in theclosed position 36, thelid 50 is held in theclosed position 36 until thebutton 70 is pressed. When thebutton 70 is pressed, thespring 60 urges thelid 50 toward theopen position 34. In particular embodiments, theconvex arc 66 is flanked by a pair ofconcave arcs concave arc convex arc 66 in theheight dimension 33. In particular embodiments, thespring 60 has at least two, and more particularly at least three, and more particularly at least four, points of inflection when the lid is in theopen position 34. In particular embodiments, theflange 40 has anupper surface 46 lying in a first plane and theconvex arc 66 of thespring 60 has anupper surface 68 lying in a second plane, and the second plane is above the first plane when thelid 50 is in theopen position 34. In particular embodiments, thespring 60 has a c-shape, an s-shape, an m-shape, or a w-shape. “Convex” means having an outline or surface curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere. “Concave” means having an outline or surface that curves inward like the interior of a circle or sphere. - The
lid 50 defines atop side 55 and anunderside 56. In particular embodiments, thespring 60 exerts force against theunderside 56 of thelid 50 in theheight dimension 33 when thelid 50 is in theclosed position 36. Furthermore, in particular embodiments, thespring 60 exerts substantially no force against thelid 50 in thelongitudinal dimension 31 when the lid is in theclosed position 36. - In particular embodiments, the
lid 50 includes acatch 51 and thebutton 70 includes alatch 71, as representatively illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2E . Thelatch 71 is adapted to engage thecatch 51 when thelid 50 is in theclosed position 36, and to restrain thelid 50 in suchclosed position 36. When thebutton 70 is pressed, thelatch 71 is moved so as to release thecatch 51, allowing thespring 60 to convert potential energy to kinetic energy and thereby urge thelid 50 toward theopen position 34. - In particular embodiments, the
flange 40 is hollow under an entirety of theconvex arc 66. In other words, there is no material in theflange 40 directly under (under in the height dimension 33) theconvex arc 66. In particular embodiments, theflange 40 is hollow under an entirety of theconvex arc 66, and under an entirety of each concave arc 67A, 67B. In other words, there is no material in theflange 40 directly under (under in the height dimension 33) theconvex arc 66 and the concave arcs 67A, 67B. In particular embodiments, theflange 40 defines ahole 44 under the spring 60 (under in the height dimension 33). Thehole 44 has a hole width 45 (FIG. 2F ) that is at least as wide as thespring width 63. Thehole 44 extends from thefirst end 61 of thespring 60 to thesecond end 62 of thespring 60. By having such a “hole” in the area “underneath” the spring, thelid assembly 30 can in particular embodiments be readily manufactured in conventional injection-molding or blow-molding equipment. If the assembly were created with another “layer” of material underneath the spring, it could be impractical or impossible to manufacture certain embodiments of the push-button lid of the present invention. - While the invention has been described in detail with respect to the specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these aspects.
Claims (27)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2018/040216 WO2020005267A1 (en) | 2018-06-29 | 2018-06-29 | Lid assembly having a curvilinear spring activated, pop-open lid, and container having same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200000296A1 true US20200000296A1 (en) | 2020-01-02 |
Family
ID=68984939
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/316,812 Abandoned US20200000296A1 (en) | 2018-06-29 | 2018-06-29 | Lid assembly having a curvilinear spring activated, pop-open lid, and container having same |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20200000296A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR102636872B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN112313155A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2018429147A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112020026078A2 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2590203B (en) |
MX (1) | MX2020013274A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020005267A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD912514S1 (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2021-03-09 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Lid with push-button |
USD912513S1 (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2021-03-09 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Lid with push-button |
US20230083592A1 (en) * | 2021-09-13 | 2023-03-16 | Baker Hughes Holdings Llc | Sensor element suspension |
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US7614519B2 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2009-11-10 | Rockline Industries, Inc. | Push button dispensing lid |
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DE19639542A1 (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 1998-04-09 | Beiersdorf Ag | Box with an inner lid that opens when pressed |
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CN200941694Y (en) * | 2006-06-09 | 2007-08-29 | 戴宇波 | Electric heating disk for electrical pressure cooker |
CN201260644Y (en) * | 2008-09-10 | 2009-06-24 | 永裕塑胶工业股份有限公司 | Wet paper tissue taking box with box cover |
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KR101183474B1 (en) * | 2012-01-12 | 2012-09-17 | 주식회사 이앤엠테크 | Seismic proof switchgear and controlgear using plat spring |
KR101362648B1 (en) * | 2013-03-28 | 2014-02-12 | 김광식 | Foods or medicines dispenser for upper dischargr |
KR200478494Y1 (en) * | 2015-06-23 | 2015-10-14 | 박진성 | Airtight lid for wet tissue pack |
US10329077B2 (en) * | 2015-10-01 | 2019-06-25 | Currier Plastics, Inc. | Closure assembly and method for opening |
KR101770727B1 (en) * | 2016-12-16 | 2017-09-05 | 주식회사 하임 | The open and closed cover device of a wet-tissue case |
CN206914966U (en) * | 2017-06-16 | 2018-01-23 | 北京市燕京药业有限公司 | A kind of medicine cold-chain box automatic locking structure |
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2018
- 2018-06-29 WO PCT/US2018/040216 patent/WO2020005267A1/en active Application Filing
- 2018-06-29 BR BR112020026078-9A patent/BR112020026078A2/en active Search and Examination
- 2018-06-29 GB GB2100190.4A patent/GB2590203B/en active Active
- 2018-06-29 US US16/316,812 patent/US20200000296A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-06-29 KR KR1020217001523A patent/KR102636872B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2018-06-29 MX MX2020013274A patent/MX2020013274A/en unknown
- 2018-06-29 AU AU2018429147A patent/AU2018429147A1/en active Pending
- 2018-06-29 CN CN201880094587.3A patent/CN112313155A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US7000792B2 (en) * | 2004-03-31 | 2006-02-21 | Takemoto Yoki Co., Ltd. | Self-opening cap mechanism |
US7614519B2 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2009-11-10 | Rockline Industries, Inc. | Push button dispensing lid |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD912514S1 (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2021-03-09 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Lid with push-button |
USD912513S1 (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2021-03-09 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Lid with push-button |
US20230083592A1 (en) * | 2021-09-13 | 2023-03-16 | Baker Hughes Holdings Llc | Sensor element suspension |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB202100190D0 (en) | 2021-02-24 |
KR20210027376A (en) | 2021-03-10 |
MX2020013274A (en) | 2021-02-22 |
GB2590203B (en) | 2023-04-12 |
AU2018429147A1 (en) | 2021-01-21 |
WO2020005267A1 (en) | 2020-01-02 |
BR112020026078A2 (en) | 2021-03-23 |
GB2590203A (en) | 2021-06-23 |
KR102636872B1 (en) | 2024-02-20 |
CN112313155A (en) | 2021-02-02 |
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