US20230219726A1 - Closure assembly, system and method of use - Google Patents
Closure assembly, system and method of use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230219726A1 US20230219726A1 US17/997,699 US202117997699A US2023219726A1 US 20230219726 A1 US20230219726 A1 US 20230219726A1 US 202117997699 A US202117997699 A US 202117997699A US 2023219726 A1 US2023219726 A1 US 2023219726A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- articles
- lid
- container
- assembly
- closure assembly
- Prior art date
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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
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
-
- 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
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/08—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession
- B65D83/0805—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession through an aperture in a wall
- B65D83/0811—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession through an aperture in a wall with means for assisting dispensing
- B65D83/0835—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession through an aperture in a wall with means for assisting dispensing the articles being pulled out of the container
-
- 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
- A47K10/44—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked with mechanical dispensing means for prehension of the next sheet to be dispensed
-
- 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
- B65D43/163—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately
- B65D43/166—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately and connected by separate interfitting hinge elements fixed to the container and the lid respectively
- B65D43/167—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately and connected by separate interfitting hinge elements fixed to the container and the lid respectively these elements being assembled by a separate pin-like member
-
- 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
- B65D43/22—Devices for holding in closed position, e.g. clips
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
- B65D2251/0018—Upper closure of the 43-type
- B65D2251/0021—Upper closure of the 43-type of the B65D43/16-type
-
- 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
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/0081—Lower closure of the 43-type
- B65D2251/0084—Lower closure of the 43-type of the B65D43/16-type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
- B65D2543/00129—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners two straight sides and at least one curved side
- B65D2543/00148—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners two straight sides and at least one curved side with two curved sides
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00231—Overall construction of the lid made of several pieces
Definitions
- the disclosed subject matter relates to a device, system and method of a dispensing articles from a container system.
- Containers can be configured for dispensing sheets of material, such as nonwoven articles used for cleaning, sanitizing, or personal use. Such articles can be circular, oval or rectangular in shape, and can be stored as a roll and the like, and can be stored perforated or separably connected in a container.
- the material can be packaged dry or can be packaged moistened with a cleaning solution or lotion, for example to produce wet wipes.
- Conventional containers for such material can include boxes, stand-up containers, canisters or the like, and can be configured as a unitary piece with an orifice to dispense the sheets of material therethrough.
- Such containers can be rigid, or can be made from a relatively flexible material.
- the containers can have an opening through which the materials may be removed.
- the opening may be covered by a lid, such as a hinged cover or adhesive strip that can be opened or closed repeatedly.
- a lid such as a hinged cover or adhesive strip that can be opened or closed repeatedly.
- An example of such containers can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2014/0048553, entitled “Dispenser,” and in the U.S. Publication No. 2014/0103058, entitled “Wipes Dispenser and Disposal,” the contents of each of which is incorporated by reference in their entireties.
- these containers are disposable and cannot be refilled with tissue by the consumer.
- a disadvantage of such containers is that removal of material can deform the lid assembly, which can cause the closure mechanism of the lid assembly to become loose and/or can decrease the effectiveness of the lid orifice to control dispensing of material.
- Another disadvantage of such containers is that the orifice size can affect the dispensing of the material. That is, an orifice that is too small can cause individual sheets of material to tear when pulled out through the orifice. On the other hand, an orifice that is too large can cause the sheets of material to clump or rope when pulled out through the orifice or can cause unnecessary moisture release from the package itself.
- the disclosed subject matter includes a closure assembly, lid, container system, and method of dispensing articles.
- a closure assembly for a container includes a frame configured to couple to a container; an interior lid hingedly coupled to the frame along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid includes a lid rim that defines an opening, a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, and a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles; and a cover panel hingedly coupled to the frame along the first longitudinal side thereof and movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position.
- a lid for a container comprises a lid rim that defines an opening; a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough; and a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles.
- a container system comprising a container, a plurality of articles therein, and the closure assembly as described herein.
- a method of dispensing articles from a container system includes providing a container system as described herein; transitioning the cover panel to the assembly open position and the lid to the open position; inserting a plurality of articles into the container; transitioning the lid to the closed position; pulling a leading article of the plurality of articles through the zone; and selectively inserting the leading article through the channel grove to separate the leading article from a next article in the plurality of articles.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the closure assembly with the lid in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 2 is a back view of the closure assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the closure assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross section view of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the closure assembly of FIG. 1
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the closure assembly with the lid in an open position, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 8 is a back view of the closure assembly of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a front view of the closure assembly of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 10 is a cross section view of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a top view of the closure assembly of FIG. 7
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the lid, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 depicts a top view of example membranes, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
- FIGS. 16 - 19 depict views of an isolated view of a flexible section of the tab member as a perspective top view, a perspective bottom view, a bottom view, and a cross section view, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 20 is a magnified partial view of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 21 depicts an alternative embodiment of a closure assembly, according to the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 22 is a side view of FIG. 1 and FIG. 23 is a cross section view of FIG. 22 .
- FIG. 24 is a side view of FIG. 7 and FIG. 25 is a cross section view of FIG. 24 .
- FIG. 26 depicts a spring loaded section of a shaft, according to the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 27 is an exploded view of FIG. 26 and FIG. 28 depicts a phantom side view of FIG. 26 .
- FIG. 29 depicts an isolated partial phantom view of the cover panel, according to the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 30 depicts a closure assembly and container, according to the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 31 depicts an example of a package holding articles therein, according to the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 32 depicts the device of FIG. 30 with the lid in the open position.
- FIG. 33 depicts the device of FIG. 32 receiving the package of FIG. 31 therein.
- FIG. 34 depicts the device of FIG. 32 with the lid transitioning to the closed position.
- FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 depict the container system with a leading article disposed in the membrane alone and disposed in the tab member.
- FIG. 37 depicts the device of FIG. 32 with the cover panel in the assembly closed position.
- FIG. 38 depicts a back perspective view of FIG. 37 .
- FIG. 39 depicts a magnified view of a bracket for coupling with a container system, according to the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 40 depicts a double bracket, according to the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 41 depicts an example of the double bracket of FIG. 41 coupled with container systems having different packages therein, according to the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 42 depicts the container system of FIGS. 33 - 38 supported by a base of the container.
- FIG. 43 depicts the container system of FIGS. 33 - 38 supported by a holder.
- the closure assembly includes a frame configured to couple to a container; an interior lid hingedly coupled to the frame along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid includes a lid rim that defines an opening, a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, and a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles; and a cover panel hingedly coupled to the frame along the first longitudinal side thereof and movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position.
- a container system is provided including the closure assembly coupled with a container.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the closure assembly 100 coupled with a container 200 .
- FIG. 2 is a back view of the device of FIG. 1
- FIG. 3 is a front view thereof
- FIG. 4 is a cross section view of FIG. 3 about lines A-A.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the closure assembly of FIG. 1
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 about lines B-B.
- the closure assembly 100 includes a frame 105 , a lid 110 , and a cover panel 150 .
- the frame 105 , lid 110 , and cover panel 150 all move about the same axis.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the closure assembly 100 coupled with a container 200 .
- FIG. 2 is a back view of the device of FIG. 1
- FIG. 3 is a front view thereof
- FIG. 4 is a cross section view of FIG. 3 about lines A-A.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the closure assembly of FIG.
- the frame 105 is configured to couple with the container 200 , which thus couples the closure assembly with the container.
- the cover panel 150 is movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position. As depicted in FIGS. 1 - 6 , the cover panel in an assembly open position for purposes of discussion.
- the cover panel 150 and the lid 110 are individually hingedly coupled to the frame 105 along a first longitudinal side thereof.
- the cover panel is movable between an assembly open position and an assembly closed position, and the lid 110 is movable between a closed position and an open position.
- FIGS. 1 - 6 the cover panel 150 is shown in an assembly open position, whereas the lid 110 is shown in its closed position.
- the cover panel 150 can have a wide range of open positions and the assembly open position of FIGS. 1 - 6 is exemplary.
- FIGS. 7 - 12 depict the closure assembly of FIGS. 1 - 6 with the cover panel 150 and the lid 110 in open positions.
- the lid 110 includes a lid rim 115 that defines an opening and a flexible membrane 300 housed within the opening of the lid rim 115 .
- the flexible membrane 300 defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, as further discussed herein.
- the lid further includes a tab member 120 fixedly coupled to the lid rim 115 and extending above the membrane 300 at an angle. Alternatively, the tab member can be fixedly coupled to and parallel with the rim.
- the tab member 120 defines a channel groove 125 configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles, as further discussed herein.
- the flexible membrane 300 includes a first portion 305 and a second portion 315 separated by a distance dimension of the slot gap 320 that creates the zone.
- the flexible membrane 300 is designed to permit roping of articles stored within the container 200 .
- the first portion and the second portion cooperate together to permit a plurality of articles to be pulled therethrough without causing a separation of individual articles from the plurality of articles.
- the first portion 305 and section portion 315 are configured to retain an article therebetween, such as a wet wipe, to permit an edge of a leading article to extend through the membrane while the cover panel 150 is in the assembly closed position.
- the distance dimension of the slot can be any suitable dimension to permit roping during use, but also to allow for retention of an article when not in use.
- the first portion 305 and the second portion 315 can overlap with each other such that a slot gap is not evident until an article is being pulled through the membrane.
- the first portion 305 and the second portion 315 can overlap even during use such that a passage is created for the zone that deflects the first portion 305 with respect to the second portion 315 to permit an article to pass between 305 and 315 through the passage.
- the distance dimension between the first portion and the second portion can range from zero to an approximate diameter dimension of the article when in a roped or twisted configuration when in use.
- the flexible membrane is pliable enough to permit a user to insert their fingers through the membrane at the slot gap and to pull an article from the container therethrough, and strong enough to retain a wipe between the first and second portions such as when the cover panel is in the assembly closed position.
- the flexible membrane has a first configuration with the first portion and second portion separated by the distance dimension of the slot gap, as shown in FIG. 13 .
- a separation force exerted on the first portion and the second portion such as by a user's fingers, expands the slot gap into a second configuration and upon removal of the separation force, the first and second portion transition back to the first configuration shown by FIG. 13 .
- the membrane can comprise any suitable material to permit such features of the membrane to function, such as, but not limited to silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene and other plastics.
- the first and second portions can define a center aperture 325 that is disposed at an approximate center of the slot gap.
- the center aperture 325 of the membrane can facilitate ease of separation of the first portion and second portion of the membrane to permit a user's fingers to be inserted therethrough.
- the center aperture 325 can also cooperate with the tab member 120 , as further discussed herein.
- the first and second portions can further define apertures 330 at the respective ends of the slot gap.
- the apertures 330 can provide further structural support for the membrane to prevent any tearing of the membrane during use.
- slot gap is shown as a curved line, the slot gap can be any suitable shape to facilitate the functionality of the membrane while also providing a seal for the opening of the lid rim to maintain any moisture in the container and prevent evaporation thereof.
- FIG. 15 depicts examples of other various shapes 320 A- 320 H of the slot gap of the membrane 300 , for purposes of example.
- the tab member 120 is fixedly coupled to the lid rim 115 and extends above the membrane 300 .
- the tab member 120 is rigidly disposed at an angle to the lid rim and disposed opposite the first longitudinal side of the frame.
- the angle of the tab can be any suitable dimension to permit the tab member to function as described herein, and enable the tab member to be housed within the space between the membrane and the cover panel when the cover panel is in the assembly closed position.
- the tab member 120 defines the channel groove 125 groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles.
- the tab member 120 further includes a flexible section 130 that defines a flexible orifice 135 at an end of the channel groove 125 .
- the flexible orifice 135 cooperates with the channel groove and separates a leading article from the plurality of articles without substantially removing excessive or material liquid from the leading article and retains a next article within the orifice 135 after the leading article is removed. Accordingly, the channel groove 125 and the orifice 135 can cooperate with the central aperture 325 when the tab member 120 is in use.
- FIGS. 16 - 19 depict isolated views of a flexible section 130 of the tab member depicting an exemplary orifice 135 according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
- FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the orifice that shows a portion of the channel groove 125 and FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view.
- FIG. 18 is a bottom view of FIG. 15 and FIG. 19 is a cross section view of FIG. 18 along lines A-A.
- the flexible section can include a groove 137 , which can couple with a rigid section of the tab member to affix the flexible section to the rigid section of the tab member.
- the lid can further include a sidewall 140 extending downwardly from a perimeter of a bottom surface of the interior lid.
- the sidewall 140 can defining a cavity 145 configured to cooperate with the frame to releasably lock the lid in the closed position.
- an interior surface of the frame can include a frame latching member 107 extending outwardly therefrom, such as a frame projection.
- the cavity 145 can receive the frame projection 107 therein to releasably lock the lid with the frame in the closed position.
- FIG. 20 is a magnified partial view of FIG. 10 . As best depicted in FIG. 20 the frame latching member is depicted as a frame projection 107 .
- FIG. 21 depicts another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
- the lid can further include a seal 117 circumscribing a perimeter of the lid rim and the cover panel 150 can further include a raised bead 155 .
- the seal 117 and the raised bead 155 can cooperate with each other to provide a tight seal assembly for the closure assembly when the cover panel is in the closed assembly position.
- the raised bead 155 can rest on the elastomer seal 117 to create a seal assembly.
- the cover panel 150 alone can include a seal 157 to seal the closure assembly when the cover panel is in the closed assembly position.
- FIG. 22 is a side view of FIG. 1 showing the cover panel 150 in the assembly open position and FIG. 23 is a cross section view of FIG. 22 about lines C-C.
- FIG. 24 is a side view of FIG. 7 showing the lid 110 in an open position and FIG. 25 is a cross section view of FIG. 24 about lines C-C.
- the cover panel 150 can further include a shaft that locks the cover panel with the frame 105 .
- the shaft 160 can include a spring-loaded section 165 for biasing and a closure retarding system 170 , as discussed herein.
- FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary spring-loaded section 165 and FIG. 27 is an exploded view thereof.
- the spring-loaded section 165 can include a spring 167 .
- FIG. 28 depicts a phantom side view of the spring-loaded section with the spring 167 therein.
- the shaft can further include a closure retarding system 170 .
- the closure retarding system is configured to retard movement of the cover panel when the cover panel transitions from the assembly open position to the assembly closed position. As such, the cover panel can slowly close within a reasonable period of time after being in the assembly open position. This enables a user to quickly remove an article without wasting the user's time to close the cover panel.
- FIG. 29 depicts an isolated partial phantom view of the cover panel 150 with the spring-loaded section 165 and the closure retarding system 170 .
- the closure retarding system includes a rotary damper, such as commercially available FRT-S1 Series Rotary Damper by Bansbach.
- a container system comprising a container 200 , a package 300 of articles therein, and the closure assembly as described herein.
- the container can be any suitable container that can contain objects, such as a package of articles therein, and that can be coupled with the frame of the closure assembly.
- the container can be coupled with the frame in any suitable arrangement, such as for purposes of example by threading or snap fit arrangement.
- the container 200 can have a snap fit connection that is complementary with mateable beads of the frame 105 .
- the container has partial or complete transparency such that product information of a package or articles therein is viewable through the container.
- a suitable container is provided in FIG. 30
- an exemplary package 400 is provided in FIG. 31 .
- the container 200 and frame 105 can be manufactured as one component with the closure assembly including the lid and the cover panel alone.
- the container 200 can receive the package 400 containing a plurality of articles.
- the package can be any suitable package such as a flexible wrap package that contains sanitizing wet wipes, as shown for purposes of example in FIG. 31 .
- the package can contain a plurality of articles, such as wet or dry wipes.
- the package can include any articles therein that can be dispensed.
- the container 200 can receive a plurality of articles in an unpackaged state.
- suitable articles include wipes, tissues such as moist toilet tissue or dry tissues, facial pads, nonwoven materials, woven materials, and the like.
- the article can be dry, moist, or wet and include lotions, chemical formulations, and the like.
- the articles can be arranged in a roll for easy dispensing and desired roping. An end of the package can be removed in order to retrieve the articles therefrom such that the opened package is accessible in the container, as further described herein with respect to the method of dispensing.
- FIGS. 30 - 39 depict steps of using the container system and steps of dispensing articles therefrom once the closure assembly is affixed to the container.
- the method includes providing a container system as described herein, as provided in FIGS. 30 - 31 .
- the cover panel has been transitioned from the assembly closed position to the assembly open position.
- the lid has transitioned to the open position.
- the package of FIG. 31 has been opened and is being inserted into the container.
- the lid is transitioning to the closed position.
- a leading article 700 of the plurality of articles is pulled through the slot gap of the membrane.
- the leading article 700 is selectively inserted through the channel grove to separate the leading article from a next article in the plurality of articles.
- the articles can be selectively fed through the membrane alone or selectively fed through the membrane and the tab member.
- the cover panel has automatically transitioned from the assembly open position to the assembly closed position and is ready for a next use.
- the container system can be attached to a bracket as shown in FIGS. 30 - 37 .
- a base of the container can support the container system alone as shown in FIG. 42 , or can fit within a holder 600 as shown in FIG. 43 .
- the lid assembly can be coupled to the bracket in any suitable manner.
- FIGS. 38 and 39 depict an exemplary connection for the container system and the bracket.
- the frame 105 can include recesses 106 configured to receive prongs 506 of the bracket 500 for a secure connection.
- the bracket can include two locations to receive two container systems, as shown in FIG. 40 .
- each location can house different kinds of products, such as one location for germicidal disposable wipes suitable for skin exposure and another location for germicidal disposable wipes containing bleach (and not suitable for skin exposure).
- FIG. 41 provides an example of a double bracket used that secures two different product packages therein.
- the wall attachment system is positioned between the two dispensers as such the unit as shown has a low profile depth from the wall. Accordingly, the profile depth of the unit is dependent upon the depth of the containers rather than known systems that have profiles dictated by the bracket in combination with the containers. As shown in
- the overall depth of the unit from the wall in said embodiment is less than 4 inches, which meets compliance with the American Disabilities Act and in particular ADA Section 307 regarding protruding objects.
- the closure assembly can be made of any suitable material to enable the device to function as described herein.
- components of the assembly not otherwise specified herein can be made of a polymer, copolymer or resin, such as HDPE—High Density Polyethylene, LDPE—Low Density Polyethylene, LLDPE—Linear low-density polyethylene, PS—Polystyrene, PVC—Polyvinyl chloride, PP—Polypropylene, ABS—Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, PET or PETE—Polyethylene terephthalate, PC—Polycarbonate, SAN—Styrene acrylonitrile, POM—Polyoxymethylene, Acrylic, Nylon, and combinations or blends thereof.
- the assembly or components of the device can comprise metal, glass or ceramic.
- the components can be made of the same material or can be made of different material.
- the assembly can be constructed by any suitable method. Examples of such methods includes, but is not limited to, overmolding, injection molding, thermoforming, compression molding, transfer molding, machining, additive manufacturing/three dimensional printing, and the like and other suitable methods are contemplated herein.
- the container system can be any color, or a plurality of colors.
- a closure assembly having an orange cover panel can be indicative of a product contained therein having bleach.
- the device can furthermore include patterns and texture to be more aesthetically pleasing to consumers or to communication certain kind of information to a consumer.
- the texture processing can include brail, engraving, embossing, and debossing.
- the system can furthermore be plated, coated, and painted.
- the container system can further be coated such as with clear or tinted coatings as known in the industry.
- the system can also be painted, coated with polymers, sprayed, and dipped.
- the system can additionally include in mold labeling, adhesive labeling, hot stamping, printing, and water transfer films.
- the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features disclosed and claimed herein.
- the particular features presented herein can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter includes any suitable combination of the features disclosed herein.
- other suitable container-like devices can be integrated using the system and method disclosed herein, such as a disposable container attachable directly to the frame.
Abstract
A closure assembly (100) for a container (200) is provided. The closure assembly (100) includes a frame (105) configured to couple to a container (200); an interior lid hingedly coupled to the frame (105) along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid (110) includes a lid rim that defines an opening, a flexible membrane (300) housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane (300) defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, and a tab member (120) fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane (300), wherein the tab member (120) defines a channel groove (125) configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles. The assembly further includes a cover panel (150) hingedly coupled to the frame (105) along the first longitudinal side thereof and movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position.
Description
- This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/022,189, filed May 8, 2020, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
- The disclosed subject matter relates to a device, system and method of a dispensing articles from a container system.
- Containers can be configured for dispensing sheets of material, such as nonwoven articles used for cleaning, sanitizing, or personal use. Such articles can be circular, oval or rectangular in shape, and can be stored as a roll and the like, and can be stored perforated or separably connected in a container. The material can be packaged dry or can be packaged moistened with a cleaning solution or lotion, for example to produce wet wipes. Conventional containers for such material can include boxes, stand-up containers, canisters or the like, and can be configured as a unitary piece with an orifice to dispense the sheets of material therethrough. Such containers can be rigid, or can be made from a relatively flexible material. The containers can have an opening through which the materials may be removed. Furthermore, the opening may be covered by a lid, such as a hinged cover or adhesive strip that can be opened or closed repeatedly. An example of such containers can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2014/0048553, entitled “Dispenser,” and in the U.S. Publication No. 2014/0103058, entitled “Wipes Dispenser and Disposal,” the contents of each of which is incorporated by reference in their entireties. Typically, these containers are disposable and cannot be refilled with tissue by the consumer.
- A disadvantage of such containers is that removal of material can deform the lid assembly, which can cause the closure mechanism of the lid assembly to become loose and/or can decrease the effectiveness of the lid orifice to control dispensing of material.
- Further deformation can cause such closure mechanisms to fail, thus preventing the lid from being secured in a closed position over the container. In some conventional containers, the lids have been known to entirely detach from the container.
- Another disadvantage of such containers is that the orifice size can affect the dispensing of the material. That is, an orifice that is too small can cause individual sheets of material to tear when pulled out through the orifice. On the other hand, an orifice that is too large can cause the sheets of material to clump or rope when pulled out through the orifice or can cause unnecessary moisture release from the package itself.
- Thus, there remains a continued need for improved containers, including lid assemblies for containers for dispensing sheets of material, including wipes. The presently disclosed subject matter satisfies these and other needs.
- The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and are apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the devices particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.
- To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a closure assembly, lid, container system, and method of dispensing articles.
- According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a closure assembly for a container is provided. The closure assembly includes a frame configured to couple to a container; an interior lid hingedly coupled to the frame along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid includes a lid rim that defines an opening, a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, and a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles; and a cover panel hingedly coupled to the frame along the first longitudinal side thereof and movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position.
- According to another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a lid for a container is provided. The lid comprises a lid rim that defines an opening; a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough; and a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles.
- In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a container system is disclosed comprising a container, a plurality of articles therein, and the closure assembly as described herein.
- In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a method of dispensing articles from a container system is further provided. The method includes providing a container system as described herein; transitioning the cover panel to the assembly open position and the lid to the open position; inserting a plurality of articles into the container; transitioning the lid to the closed position; pulling a leading article of the plurality of articles through the zone; and selectively inserting the leading article through the channel grove to separate the leading article from a next article in the plurality of articles.
- It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description and drawings are examples and are provided for purpose of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter in any manner.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the devices of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter.
- The subject matter of the application will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the closure assembly with the lid in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 2 is a back view of the closure assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the closure assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross section view ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a top view of the closure assembly ofFIG. 1 -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the closure assembly with the lid in an open position, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 8 is a back view of the closure assembly ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a front view of the closure assembly ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 10 is a cross section view ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a top view of the closure assembly ofFIG. 7 -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the lid, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the lid ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 depicts a top view of example membranes, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. -
FIGS. 16-19 depict views of an isolated view of a flexible section of the tab member as a perspective top view, a perspective bottom view, a bottom view, and a cross section view, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 20 is a magnified partial view ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 21 depicts an alternative embodiment of a closure assembly, according to the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 22 is a side view ofFIG. 1 andFIG. 23 is a cross section view ofFIG. 22 . -
FIG. 24 is a side view ofFIG. 7 andFIG. 25 is a cross section view ofFIG. 24 . -
FIG. 26 depicts a spring loaded section of a shaft, according to the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 27 is an exploded view ofFIG. 26 andFIG. 28 depicts a phantom side view ofFIG. 26 . -
FIG. 29 depicts an isolated partial phantom view of the cover panel, according to the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 30 depicts a closure assembly and container, according to the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 31 depicts an example of a package holding articles therein, according to the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 32 depicts the device ofFIG. 30 with the lid in the open position. -
FIG. 33 depicts the device ofFIG. 32 receiving the package ofFIG. 31 therein. -
FIG. 34 depicts the device ofFIG. 32 with the lid transitioning to the closed position. -
FIG. 35 andFIG. 36 depict the container system with a leading article disposed in the membrane alone and disposed in the tab member. -
FIG. 37 depicts the device ofFIG. 32 with the cover panel in the assembly closed position. -
FIG. 38 depicts a back perspective view ofFIG. 37 . -
FIG. 39 depicts a magnified view of a bracket for coupling with a container system, according to the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 40 depicts a double bracket, according to the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 41 depicts an example of the double bracket ofFIG. 41 coupled with container systems having different packages therein, according to the disclosed subject matter. -
FIG. 42 depicts the container system ofFIGS. 33-38 supported by a base of the container. -
FIG. 43 depicts the container system ofFIGS. 33-38 supported by a holder. - Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The examples herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter in any manner. The disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.
- The term “about” or “approximately” means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system.
- The presently disclosed subject matter provides closure assembly, lid, container system, and method of dispensing articles. According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the closure assembly includes a frame configured to couple to a container; an interior lid hingedly coupled to the frame along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid includes a lid rim that defines an opening, a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, and a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles; and a cover panel hingedly coupled to the frame along the first longitudinal side thereof and movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position. According to another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a container system is provided including the closure assembly coupled with a container.
- Solely for purpose of illustration,
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of theclosure assembly 100 coupled with acontainer 200.FIG. 2 is a back view of the device ofFIG. 1 ,FIG. 3 is a front view thereof, andFIG. 4 is a cross section view ofFIG. 3 about lines A-A.FIG. 5 is a top view of the closure assembly ofFIG. 1 andFIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 1 about lines B-B. As depicted inFIGS. 1-6 , theclosure assembly 100 includes aframe 105, alid 110, and acover panel 150. Theframe 105,lid 110, and coverpanel 150 all move about the same axis. As best shown inFIG. 1 , theframe 105 is configured to couple with thecontainer 200, which thus couples the closure assembly with the container. As further discussed herein, thecover panel 150 is movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position. As depicted inFIGS. 1-6 , the cover panel in an assembly open position for purposes of discussion. - The
cover panel 150 and thelid 110 are individually hingedly coupled to theframe 105 along a first longitudinal side thereof. The cover panel is movable between an assembly open position and an assembly closed position, and thelid 110 is movable between a closed position and an open position. As depicted inFIGS. 1-6 , thecover panel 150 is shown in an assembly open position, whereas thelid 110 is shown in its closed position. Thecover panel 150 can have a wide range of open positions and the assembly open position ofFIGS. 1-6 is exemplary.FIGS. 7-12 depict the closure assembly ofFIGS. 1-6 with thecover panel 150 and thelid 110 in open positions. - As shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12 , thelid 110 includes alid rim 115 that defines an opening and aflexible membrane 300 housed within the opening of thelid rim 115. Theflexible membrane 300 defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, as further discussed herein. The lid further includes atab member 120 fixedly coupled to thelid rim 115 and extending above themembrane 300 at an angle. Alternatively, the tab member can be fixedly coupled to and parallel with the rim. Thetab member 120 defines achannel groove 125 configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles, as further discussed herein. - An embodiment of the
lid rim 115 with theflexible membrane 300 therein is shown as an isolated unit inFIGS. 13 and 14 . Theflexible membrane 300 includes afirst portion 305 and asecond portion 315 separated by a distance dimension of theslot gap 320 that creates the zone. Theflexible membrane 300 is designed to permit roping of articles stored within thecontainer 200. The first portion and the second portion cooperate together to permit a plurality of articles to be pulled therethrough without causing a separation of individual articles from the plurality of articles. Thefirst portion 305 andsection portion 315 are configured to retain an article therebetween, such as a wet wipe, to permit an edge of a leading article to extend through the membrane while thecover panel 150 is in the assembly closed position. As such the distance dimension of the slot can be any suitable dimension to permit roping during use, but also to allow for retention of an article when not in use. Furthermore, in other embodiments, thefirst portion 305 and thesecond portion 315 can overlap with each other such that a slot gap is not evident until an article is being pulled through the membrane. In further embodiments, thefirst portion 305 and thesecond portion 315 can overlap even during use such that a passage is created for the zone that deflects thefirst portion 305 with respect to thesecond portion 315 to permit an article to pass between 305 and 315 through the passage. As such, the distance dimension between the first portion and the second portion can range from zero to an approximate diameter dimension of the article when in a roped or twisted configuration when in use. - The flexible membrane is pliable enough to permit a user to insert their fingers through the membrane at the slot gap and to pull an article from the container therethrough, and strong enough to retain a wipe between the first and second portions such as when the cover panel is in the assembly closed position. As such, the flexible membrane has a first configuration with the first portion and second portion separated by the distance dimension of the slot gap, as shown in
FIG. 13 . A separation force exerted on the first portion and the second portion, such as by a user's fingers, expands the slot gap into a second configuration and upon removal of the separation force, the first and second portion transition back to the first configuration shown byFIG. 13 . The membrane can comprise any suitable material to permit such features of the membrane to function, such as, but not limited to silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene and other plastics. - As best shown in the back view of
FIG. 14 , the first and second portions can define acenter aperture 325 that is disposed at an approximate center of the slot gap. Thecenter aperture 325 of the membrane can facilitate ease of separation of the first portion and second portion of the membrane to permit a user's fingers to be inserted therethrough. Thecenter aperture 325 can also cooperate with thetab member 120, as further discussed herein. The first and second portions can further defineapertures 330 at the respective ends of the slot gap. Theapertures 330 can provide further structural support for the membrane to prevent any tearing of the membrane during use. Although the slot gap is shown as a curved line, the slot gap can be any suitable shape to facilitate the functionality of the membrane while also providing a seal for the opening of the lid rim to maintain any moisture in the container and prevent evaporation thereof.FIG. 15 depicts examples of othervarious shapes 320A-320H of the slot gap of themembrane 300, for purposes of example. - As depicted in
FIG. 13 , thetab member 120 is fixedly coupled to thelid rim 115 and extends above themembrane 300. Thetab member 120 is rigidly disposed at an angle to the lid rim and disposed opposite the first longitudinal side of the frame. The angle of the tab can be any suitable dimension to permit the tab member to function as described herein, and enable the tab member to be housed within the space between the membrane and the cover panel when the cover panel is in the assembly closed position. Thetab member 120 defines thechannel groove 125 groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles. Thetab member 120 further includes aflexible section 130 that defines aflexible orifice 135 at an end of thechannel groove 125. Theflexible orifice 135 cooperates with the channel groove and separates a leading article from the plurality of articles without substantially removing excessive or material liquid from the leading article and retains a next article within theorifice 135 after the leading article is removed. Accordingly, thechannel groove 125 and theorifice 135 can cooperate with thecentral aperture 325 when thetab member 120 is in use. -
FIGS. 16-19 depict isolated views of aflexible section 130 of the tab member depicting anexemplary orifice 135 according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the orifice that shows a portion of thechannel groove 125 andFIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view.FIG. 18 is a bottom view ofFIG. 15 andFIG. 19 is a cross section view ofFIG. 18 along lines A-A. As depicted inFIGS. 16-19 , the flexible section can include agroove 137, which can couple with a rigid section of the tab member to affix the flexible section to the rigid section of the tab member. - As best shown in
FIG. 14 , the lid can further include asidewall 140 extending downwardly from a perimeter of a bottom surface of the interior lid. Thesidewall 140 can defining acavity 145 configured to cooperate with the frame to releasably lock the lid in the closed position. As such, an interior surface of the frame can include aframe latching member 107 extending outwardly therefrom, such as a frame projection. Thecavity 145 can receive theframe projection 107 therein to releasably lock the lid with the frame in the closed position.FIG. 20 is a magnified partial view ofFIG. 10 . As best depicted inFIG. 20 the frame latching member is depicted as aframe projection 107. -
FIG. 21 depicts another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. In this embodiment, the lid can further include aseal 117 circumscribing a perimeter of the lid rim and thecover panel 150 can further include a raisedbead 155. Theseal 117 and the raisedbead 155 can cooperate with each other to provide a tight seal assembly for the closure assembly when the cover panel is in the closed assembly position. As such, the raisedbead 155 can rest on theelastomer seal 117 to create a seal assembly. In other embodiments as depicted inFIG. 1 , thecover panel 150 alone can include aseal 157 to seal the closure assembly when the cover panel is in the closed assembly position. - As noted above, the
cover panel 150 and thelid 110 move independently of one another but share the same longitudinal axis for rotation. Thelid 110 can be moved between the open and closed position with unrestricted movement. Thecover panel 150 can be biased towards the assembly closed position such that thecover panel 150 moves toward the frame when the cover panel is released from the assembly open position. The cover panel can be spring loaded to provide the biasing of the cover panel in the assembly closed position.FIG. 22 is a side view ofFIG. 1 showing thecover panel 150 in the assembly open position andFIG. 23 is a cross section view ofFIG. 22 about lines C-C.FIG. 24 is a side view ofFIG. 7 showing thelid 110 in an open position andFIG. 25 is a cross section view ofFIG. 24 about lines C-C. Thecover panel 150 can further include a shaft that locks the cover panel with theframe 105. Theshaft 160 can include a spring-loadedsection 165 for biasing and aclosure retarding system 170, as discussed herein.FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary spring-loadedsection 165 andFIG. 27 is an exploded view thereof. As shown inFIG. 27 , the spring-loadedsection 165 can include aspring 167.FIG. 28 depicts a phantom side view of the spring-loaded section with thespring 167 therein. - As shown in
FIGS. 23 and 25 , the shaft can further include aclosure retarding system 170. The closure retarding system is configured to retard movement of the cover panel when the cover panel transitions from the assembly open position to the assembly closed position. As such, the cover panel can slowly close within a reasonable period of time after being in the assembly open position. This enables a user to quickly remove an article without wasting the user's time to close the cover panel.FIG. 29 depicts an isolated partial phantom view of thecover panel 150 with the spring-loadedsection 165 and theclosure retarding system 170. In certain embodiments, the closure retarding system includes a rotary damper, such as commercially available FRT-S1 Series Rotary Damper by Bansbach. - In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a container system is disclosed comprising a
container 200, apackage 300 of articles therein, and the closure assembly as described herein. The container can be any suitable container that can contain objects, such as a package of articles therein, and that can be coupled with the frame of the closure assembly. The container can be coupled with the frame in any suitable arrangement, such as for purposes of example by threading or snap fit arrangement. As best shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 20 , thecontainer 200 can have a snap fit connection that is complementary with mateable beads of theframe 105. In one embodiment, the container has partial or complete transparency such that product information of a package or articles therein is viewable through the container. As example of a suitable container is provided inFIG. 30 , and anexemplary package 400 is provided inFIG. 31 . In certain embodiments, thecontainer 200 andframe 105 can be manufactured as one component with the closure assembly including the lid and the cover panel alone. - The
container 200 can receive thepackage 400 containing a plurality of articles. The package can be any suitable package such as a flexible wrap package that contains sanitizing wet wipes, as shown for purposes of example inFIG. 31 . The package can contain a plurality of articles, such as wet or dry wipes. Thus, the package can include any articles therein that can be dispensed. Alternatively or additionally thereto, thecontainer 200 can receive a plurality of articles in an unpackaged state. Further examples of suitable articles include wipes, tissues such as moist toilet tissue or dry tissues, facial pads, nonwoven materials, woven materials, and the like. As such, the article can be dry, moist, or wet and include lotions, chemical formulations, and the like. The articles can be arranged in a roll for easy dispensing and desired roping. An end of the package can be removed in order to retrieve the articles therefrom such that the opened package is accessible in the container, as further described herein with respect to the method of dispensing. - In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a method of dispensing articles from a container system is further provided and as furthermore discussed above in relation to the aspects of the disclosed subject matter.
FIGS. 30-39 depict steps of using the container system and steps of dispensing articles therefrom once the closure assembly is affixed to the container. As such, the method includes providing a container system as described herein, as provided inFIGS. 30-31 . As shown inFIG. 30 , the cover panel has been transitioned from the assembly closed position to the assembly open position. As shown inFIG. 32 , the lid has transitioned to the open position. As represented byFIG. 33 , the package ofFIG. 31 has been opened and is being inserted into the container. As shown inFIG. 34 , the lid is transitioning to the closed position. As represented byFIG. 35 , aleading article 700 of the plurality of articles is pulled through the slot gap of the membrane. As shown inFIG. 36 , the leadingarticle 700 is selectively inserted through the channel grove to separate the leading article from a next article in the plurality of articles. However, as further discussed herein, the articles can be selectively fed through the membrane alone or selectively fed through the membrane and the tab member. As shown inFIG. 37 , the cover panel has automatically transitioned from the assembly open position to the assembly closed position and is ready for a next use. The container system can be attached to a bracket as shown inFIGS. 30-37 . - Alternatively or additionally thereto, a base of the container can support the container system alone as shown in
FIG. 42 , or can fit within aholder 600 as shown inFIG. 43 . When attached to a bracket, the lid assembly can be coupled to the bracket in any suitable manner.FIGS. 38 and 39 depict an exemplary connection for the container system and the bracket. As shown inFIG. 38 , theframe 105 can includerecesses 106 configured to receiveprongs 506 of thebracket 500 for a secure connection. In certain embodiments, the bracket can include two locations to receive two container systems, as shown inFIG. 40 . As such, each location can house different kinds of products, such as one location for germicidal disposable wipes suitable for skin exposure and another location for germicidal disposable wipes containing bleach (and not suitable for skin exposure).FIG. 41 provides an example of a double bracket used that secures two different product packages therein. In this embodiment, the wall attachment system is positioned between the two dispensers as such the unit as shown has a low profile depth from the wall. Accordingly, the profile depth of the unit is dependent upon the depth of the containers rather than known systems that have profiles dictated by the bracket in combination with the containers. As shown in -
FIG. 41 , the overall depth of the unit from the wall in said embodiment is less than 4 inches, which meets compliance with the American Disabilities Act and in particular ADA Section 307 regarding protruding objects. - The closure assembly, including any of the components thereof, can be made of any suitable material to enable the device to function as described herein. For example, components of the assembly not otherwise specified herein can be made of a polymer, copolymer or resin, such as HDPE—High Density Polyethylene, LDPE—Low Density Polyethylene, LLDPE—Linear low-density polyethylene, PS—Polystyrene, PVC—Polyvinyl chloride, PP—Polypropylene, ABS—Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, PET or PETE—Polyethylene terephthalate, PC—Polycarbonate, SAN—Styrene acrylonitrile, POM—Polyoxymethylene, Acrylic, Nylon, and combinations or blends thereof. Furthermore, the assembly or components of the device can comprise metal, glass or ceramic. The components can be made of the same material or can be made of different material.
- The assembly can be constructed by any suitable method. Examples of such methods includes, but is not limited to, overmolding, injection molding, thermoforming, compression molding, transfer molding, machining, additive manufacturing/three dimensional printing, and the like and other suitable methods are contemplated herein.
- The container system can be any color, or a plurality of colors. For example, a closure assembly having an orange cover panel can be indicative of a product contained therein having bleach. The device can furthermore include patterns and texture to be more aesthetically pleasing to consumers or to communication certain kind of information to a consumer. The texture processing can include brail, engraving, embossing, and debossing. The system can furthermore be plated, coated, and painted. The container system can further be coated such as with clear or tinted coatings as known in the industry. The system can also be painted, coated with polymers, sprayed, and dipped. The system can additionally include in mold labeling, adhesive labeling, hot stamping, printing, and water transfer films.
- While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain embodiments and representative examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Additional features known in the art likewise can be incorporated. Moreover, although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter can be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.
- In addition to the various embodiments depicted and claimed, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features disclosed and claimed herein. As such, the particular features presented herein can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter includes any suitable combination of the features disclosed herein. Furthermore, although reference is made to a system for integrating a package with a container throughout this disclosure, other suitable container-like devices can be integrated using the system and method disclosed herein, such as a disposable container attachable directly to the frame. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the system and method of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (21)
1. A closure assembly for a container, comprising:
a frame configured to couple with a container;
a lid hingedly coupled to the frame along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid includes
a lid rim that defines an opening,
a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, and
a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles; and
a cover panel hingedly coupled to the frame along the first longitudinal side thereof and movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position.
2. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible membrane includes a first portion and a second portion separated by a distance dimension of a slot gap defining the zone, wherein the first portion and section portion are configured to retain an article therebetween.
3. The closure assembly of claim 2 , wherein the first portion and the second portion cooperate together to permit a plurality of articles to be pulled therethrough without causing a separation of individual articles from the plurality of articles.
4. The closure assembly of claim 2 , wherein the flexible membrane has a first configuration with the first portion and second portion separated by the distance dimension of the slot gap, wherein a separation force exerted on the first portion and the second portion expands the slot gap into a second configuration and upon removal of the separation force, the first and second portion transition back to the first configuration.
5. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible membrane includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and section portion overlap with each other and are configured to retain an article therebetween.
6. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein the membrane comprises at least one of silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyester, and polyethylene.
7. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tab member is rigidly disposed to the lid rim and disposed opposite the first longitudinal side of the frame.
8. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tab member is positioned between the cover panel and the membrane.
9. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tab member further includes a flexible orifice at an end of the channel groove, wherein the flexible orifice separates the leading article from the plurality of articles without removing material liquid from the leading article and retains a next article therein after the leading article is removed.
10. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein the frame further includes an interior surface, the interior surface having a frame latching member extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the frame latching member includes a frame projection; and
wherein the lid includes a sidewall extending downwardly from a perimeter of a bottom surface of the interior lid, the sidewall defining a cavity configured to receive the frame projection therein to lock the lid with the frame in the closed position.
11. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cover panel is biased towards the assembly closed position.
12. The closure assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cover panel and the lid move independently of one another.
13. The closure assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a closure retarding system configured to retard movement of the cover panel when the cover panel transitions from the assembly open position to the assembly closed position.
14. The closure assembly of claim 13 , wherein the closure retarding system includes a rotary damper.
15. A lid for a container of articles disposed therein, the lid comprising:
a lid rim that defines an opening;
a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough; and
a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles.
16. A container system comprising:
a container;
a closure assembly having:
a frame configured to couple to the container,
a lid hingedly coupled to the frame along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid includes
a lid rim that defines an opening,
a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, and
a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles, and
a cover panel hingedly coupled to the frame along the first longitudinal side thereof and movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position; and
a plurality of articles receivable within the container, wherein a leading article of the plurality of articles is accessible in the container through the flexible membrane when the cover panel is in the assembly open position.
17. The container system of claim 16 , wherein the container is at least partially transparent and product information of the plurality of articles is viewable through the container.
18. The container system of claim 17 , wherein articles are selectively fed through the membrane alone or selectively fed through the membrane and the tab member.
19. The container system of claim 17 , wherein the articles are wet nonwovens.
20. The container system of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of articles are contained in a package and the package comprises a flexible package of wet wipes therein.
21. A method of dispensing articles from a container system, comprising
providing a container,
a closure assembly having:
a frame configured to couple to the container,
a lid hingedly coupled to the frame along a first longitudinal side thereof and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid includes
a lid rim that defines an opening,
a flexible membrane housed within the opening of the lid rim, wherein the flexible membrane defines a zone configured to permit a plurality of articles to feed therethrough, and
a tab member fixedly coupled to the lid rim and extending above the membrane, wherein the tab member defines a channel groove configured to receive a leading article of the plurality of articles therein and separate the leading article from the plurality of articles, and
a cover panel hingedly coupled to the frame along the first longitudinal side thereof and movable between an assembly closed position and an assembly open position, and
a plurality of articles receivable within the container, wherein a leading article of the plurality of articles is accessible in the container through the flexible membrane when the cover panel is in the assembly open position;
transitioning the cover panel to the assembly open position and the lid to the open position;
inserting the plurality of articles into the container;
transitioning the lid to the closed position;
pulling a leading article of the plurality of articles through the zone; and
selectively inserting the leading article through the channel grove to separate the leading article from a next article in the plurality of articles.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/997,699 US20230219726A1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2021-05-06 | Closure assembly, system and method of use |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202063022189P | 2020-05-08 | 2020-05-08 | |
PCT/US2021/031009 WO2021226299A1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2021-05-06 | Closure assembly, system and method of use |
US17/997,699 US20230219726A1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2021-05-06 | Closure assembly, system and method of use |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230219726A1 true US20230219726A1 (en) | 2023-07-13 |
Family
ID=76181237
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/997,699 Pending US20230219726A1 (en) | 2020-05-08 | 2021-05-06 | Closure assembly, system and method of use |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230219726A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4146561A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN115515865A (en) |
CA (1) | CA3178072A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL297797A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021226299A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9113759B2 (en) * | 2009-02-19 | 2015-08-25 | Gojo Industries, Inc. | Wipes dispenser with anti-roping and anti-fallback features |
US9272831B2 (en) | 2012-08-15 | 2016-03-01 | Nice-Pak Products, Inc. | Dispenser |
US8939320B2 (en) | 2012-10-12 | 2015-01-27 | Professional Disposables International, Inc. | Wipes dispenser and disposal |
GB2538235B (en) * | 2015-05-10 | 2017-05-10 | John Gordon Michael | Container of wipes with 'Fallback Prevent'dispensing nozzle |
US10766671B2 (en) * | 2017-05-23 | 2020-09-08 | Nice-Pak Products, Inc. | Lid assembly for container |
-
2021
- 2021-05-06 US US17/997,699 patent/US20230219726A1/en active Pending
- 2021-05-06 WO PCT/US2021/031009 patent/WO2021226299A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-05-06 CA CA3178072A patent/CA3178072A1/en active Pending
- 2021-05-06 EP EP21728713.5A patent/EP4146561A1/en active Pending
- 2021-05-06 CN CN202180033917.XA patent/CN115515865A/en active Pending
- 2021-05-06 IL IL297797A patent/IL297797A/en unknown
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EP4146561A1 (en) | 2023-03-15 |
WO2021226299A1 (en) | 2021-11-11 |
CA3178072A1 (en) | 2021-11-11 |
IL297797A (en) | 2022-12-01 |
CN115515865A (en) | 2022-12-23 |
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